Point-of-Use Resin Heating Reduces Cost and Improves Efficiency in Pre-Impregnated Composites

摘要

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPOSITES CONSIST OF CARBON, Kevlar, or glass fibers impregnated with a resin system, and cured into a shape using various molding methods. They are used extensively within the aerospace industry, as well as in sporting goods, automobiles, and wind power generation equipment. One widely used resin-fiber intermediate is called "prepregs" or pre-impregnated fiber sheets. These sheets are formed when a thermoset, heat-curable resin is combined with carbon fiber and partially cured in a continuous filming impregnation process. Prepregs are produced in factories under controlled conditions to ensure the carbon fiber-to-resin ratio is tightly managed and the resin formulations have consistent quality. Prepregs have been used extensively for decades to make composite parts for the most demanding and critical applications.