Low Profile Resin for Vacuum Assist Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)

摘要

Open molding systems have rapidly been replaced by closed molding systems such as RTM due to environmental problems. Vacuum Assist Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) gives many advantages with general FRP tooling and room temperature curing systems. However, surface smoothness of molded parts processed by a VARTM system provides an irregular material. Current low shrink RTM resin system could not be applied in VARTM system because of the resin viscosity and the curing process. There was no low profile agent for this system with low shrink, good water resistance and good physical property. This paper will describe studies and development of the resin chemical structure, molecule weight, low profile system, the morphology, and the water absorption of a new low profile VARTM resin system.