Methods for Process-related Resin Selection and Optimisation in High-Pressure Resin Transfer Moulding

A framework for process-related resin selection and optimisation is proposed in the context of research and development for industrial applications of high-pressure resin transfer moulding (HP-RTM). The first stage involves the validation of the reaction kinetics model by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the characterisation of viscosity, storage- and viscous shear-moduli by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) in a rheometer as a function of time. Capillary pressure measurements were obtained using a curing resin impregnating a vertical fibre yarn. Process-related resin selection criteria are based on the optimisation of cycle time, including filling time against gel time, micro-infiltration time and demould time. The proposed framework and the associated test and analysis methodologies have been applied to three epoxy resin systems in connection with carbon fibre reinforcement.