The Effect of Processing Parameters on the Shell EPON 862/W Epoxy/Fiberglass System

摘要

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal pultrusion processing parameters and processability for the EPON 862/W epoxy/fiberglass system. The five processing parameters that were taken into consideration were the fiber volume, pull speed, die zone 1 temperature, die zone 2 temperature, and die zone 3 temperature. A five factor, half-factorial, central composite experimental design using 32 experiments was used to establish the parameter settings under which the composite material was to be produced. Upon completion fo the production of the composite material was to be produced. Upon completion of the production of the composite material, test specimens were prepared and tested for flexural strength, using both three-point and four-point loading methods, and short-beam shear strength. The flexural specimens were tested in three conditions, as-pultruded which involved no post-processing, post-cured which was cured for two hours at 350 deg F after production, and hot-wet which included submersion in water at 200 deg F for two weeks prior to testing. Once the testing was completed, regression analysis was performed on the data to determine the optimal processing parameters for the composite system. Response surface techniques were used to determine the maximum mechanical properties that can be expected for this system.