Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Thermally-expandable elastomer molding process for thermoset composite materials

  • Dong Ouk Kim
  • , Sung Woo Keum
  • , Jun Ho Lee
  • , Jong Hoon Lee
  • , Jae Do Nam

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study examined the elastomer-assisted compression molding process for long-fiber reinforced thermoset composites both experimentally and theoretically. The consolidation pressure generated by a thermally-expandable elastomer was predicted thermodynamically and compared with the experimental value under both fixed-volume and variable-volume conditions during the heating and curing processes. Exhibiting non-linear viscoelastic characteristics, the pressure generated was best described using the modified KWW (Kohlrausch-Williame-Watts) equation. The model equation compared well with the experimental pressure that was measured during the curing process of epoxy matrix composites. The developed modeling methodology demonstrated its capability to predict the consolidation pressure in elastomer-assisted compression molding and autoclave processes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2121-2127
Number of pages7
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume37
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006

Keywords

  • A. Compression molding
  • B. Curing
  • E. Thermoplastic resin
  • Laminates

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Thermally-expandable elastomer molding process for thermoset composite materials'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this