Effect of Processing Parameters on the Strength of Resin Infused Polyamide-6 Impregnated Glass Fabric Composite

摘要

Current automotive composite applications largely rely on the use of thermoset resins, for which the processing time is determined by the curing characteristics of the matrix. Thermoplastic matrix composites are more desirable since they can be processed in much shorter time. However, the key to the successful application of thermoplastic matrix composites is the development of thermoplastic prepreg that con produce high strength composite with high quality and reliability. This project examines four processing parameters that may impact the quality of E-glass fabric/polyamide-6 prepreg produced by resin infusion using the film stacking technique. The four parameters are stacking strategy, percent compression, mold temperature, and compression rate. The number of dry fabric layers and polymer film layers in the composite were held constant, with six layers of E-glass fabric and 12 layers of polyamide-6. For stacking, there were two approaches, a simple sandwich construction and an alternating layer construction. The stacks were subjected to two compression levels, 70% and 75% compression after the stack had achieved the processing temperature. Processing temperatures were 260°C and 270°C. The fourth parameter was the processing rate, with two values, namely 0. 1~(mm)/_(min) and 1.0~(mm)/_(min). A statistical analysis was conducted to determine the effects of the processing variables as they relate to tensile strength.