Mechanical Properties and Impact Damage Resistance of Composites Fabricated by Low Cost, Vacuum Assisted, Resin Transfer Molding.

摘要

Fabric-reinforced laminates made by SCRIMP (Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process) were tested in compression, tension, flexure, short beam shear, and impact. A global study of the properties of SCRIMP panels was the goal of this program. Four vinyl esters, one polyester, and two epoxies were tested, as were seven different styles of E-glass fabric. The properties of E-glass fabrics were compared with those of carbon, Kevlar, and Spectra fabrics, and with the hybrids E-glass:carbon, E-glass:Kevlar, and E-glass:Spectra. Composite properties increased with resin modulus, provided the resin failure strain was above a critical (undetermined) minimum value. Light woven roving and textile fabrics had somewhat better properties than coarser woven rovings, and glass was the overall best performer based on cost, strength and impact resistance. An E-glass:Kevlar hybrid was identified which had significant weight savings but comparable properties to E-glass.