Monitoring Prepreg Out-Time with Glass Transition Temperature

摘要

This work presents an examination of glass transition temperature as arnmethod for monitoring prepreg age in out-of-autoclave resin systems. Resultsrnobtained using modulated differential scanning calorimetry display a linear increasernin glass transition temperature as a function of room temperature aging time. Thisrnfinding is of potential importance from a manufacturing standpoint. Differentialrnscanning calorimetry is an attractive test method for use on the production floor, asrnit requires small sample sizes, limited sample preparation, and no complicated datarnanalysis. Consequently, the method of tracking glass transition temperature torndetermine prepreg out time has the potential to fill the need for an in-service qualityrncontrol method for prepreg age monitoring.