EVALUATION OF IMPACT RESISTANCE OF COMPOSITES UTILIZING BIO-BASED CURING AGENT FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS

Polymer composite materials are widely used in the aerospace industries for their incredible strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility in design, and superior thermal and mechanical characteristics. These composites are made using resins and curing agents derived from the petroleum and chemical sectors, raising concerns about their toxic nature. Long-term contact with these substances can lead to respiratory problems. Moreover, dealing with the disposal of these thermoset plastics at the end of their life cycle is quite challenging, as unlike thermoplastics, they can't be re-melted and reshaped, often ending up in landfills. This study aims to characterize polymer composites produced using a commercially available bio-curing agent. The composite panels are fabricated using the HVARTM (Heated Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) process, and the test specimens are then cut and tested following ASTM standards to assess their impact resistance. The obtained results are then compared to those of composites made with traditional epoxy curing agents.