DEVELOPMENT OF EB6 - A BINDER FOR USE IN NOVEL PROCESSING TECHNIQUES

摘要

The growing desire for low cost manufacturing methods for composite materials has driven the development of techniques including resin transfer moulding (RTM), resin film infusion (RFI), and liquid resin infusion (LRI). These processes all require the use of a preconsolidated dry fibre package commonly referred to as a preform. Such preforms are generally stabilised using a binder (tackifier). Ideally, a binder will successfully adhere adjacent plies together, impart rigidity to the desired article and have no adverse effect upon the physical and mechanical properties of the selected parent matrix. This paper documents various parameters that were considered during the development of EB6 (Epoxy Binder 6) to ensure that the formulation imparted the necessary characteristic requirements to the material. They include the chemical nature and the physical state of the base components, the need for advancement of the binder during preforming and the necessity for binder/matrix compatibility. The effect these parameters had upon preform adhesion and stiffness is reported along with details of the test methods employed. Physical and mechanical data is also presented to quantify the influence binder chemistry and binder/matrix compatibility have on the final performance of RTM6 injected laminates.