Optimization of curing cycle in carbon fiber-reinforced laminates: Void distribution and mechanical properties

摘要

A strategy is presented to optimize out-of-autoclave processing of quasi-isotropic carbon fiber-reinforcedudlaminates. Square panels of 4.6 mm nominal thickness with very low porosity ð6 0:2%Þ were manufacturedudby compression molding at low pressure (0.2 MPa) by careful design of the temperature cycle toudmaximize the processing window. The mechanisms of void migration during processing were ascertainedudby means of X-ray microtomography and the effect of ply clustering on porosity and on void shape wasudexplained. Finally, the effect of porosity and ply clustering on the compressive strength before and afterudimpact was studied.