ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF NANOPARTICLES ON MOLD FILLING IN A VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING SYSTEM

摘要

In this paper, a novel manufacturing method was used to prepare the hybrid composite, wherein nanoparticles were sprayed and bonded onto fiber mats instead of mixing them in polymer resin. The effect of nanoparticles on the mold filling characteristics in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding system was investigated. This study seeks to understand the flow of resin through the porous fiber bed, consisting of the long fibers and nanoparticles. A simplified model was used to predict the mold filling time. It was found that the dispersion and loading of the nanoparticles affected the permeability and porosity of the reinforcement system, and hence the mold filling time.