Advanced epoxy system for large scale composite ship component manufacturing using the VARTM process

John Pacanovsky, Ajit Kelkar, Ron Bolick

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The objective of this development program is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a novel epoxy resin based system especially designed for high modulus, carbon fiber reinforced composites. This development supports the Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) development program as sponsored by the Naval Surface Warfare Center. The specific requirements necessary for a successful outcome of this program will challenge the accepted known properties typically achieved from standard epoxy resin based systems. Our goal was to develop an advanced epoxy resin based system that will achieve a high glass transition temperature with room temperature cure, provide fracture toughness and other composite mechanical properties equal to or greater than typical toughened vinyl ester resin systems and will have low viscosity and controllable cure schedule so as to be manufactured in all composites processes. This system based on hybrid resins and a novel cure profile provides outstanding interfacial properties with carbon and glass fibers, has a glass transition temperature greater than 200°F with room temperature cure, has exceptional mechanical properties including hot/wet and fracture toughness, and can be manufactured using the VARTM process resulting in high performance composite structures. Also, this material like all systems based on epoxy resins has low cure shrinkage and result in a structure that has minimal residual stresses as compared to traditional vinyl ester systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2008 SAMPE Fall Technical Conference and Exhibition-Multifunctional Materials: Working Smarter Together, SAMPE’08
StatePublished - 2008

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