Evaluation of E-Beam Cured Composites

摘要

Electron-beam curing of composite materials is being evaluated under the DARPA/WL program entitled "Affordable Polymer Composite Structures". The focus of this paper is the material and process development of two types of resin systems, free radical and cationic curing formulations. Neat resin properties of the material systems were determined. Additionally, physical and mechanical properties of E-beam processed composite laminates were determined and were compared with state-of-the-art carbon fiber/epoxy, AS4/3501-6. Effect of E-beam dosage levels and post-cure treatments on the laminate properties are discussed. Fracture surfaces of a failed composite laminate processed from carbon fabric with and without a special coupling agent were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM).