Resin development for fast cycle time composite processing
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Manchester
Department Name: Materials
Abstract
New composite fabrication processes do not come along very often. Quickstep offers marked improvements in composites properties along with much faster and more controllable cure cycles attracting significant industrial interest at this time. The aim of this program is to undertake a basic study to develop resins suited to fast cure cycles and to establish their rheological and subsequent mechanical properties.Conventional aerospace pre-pregs, cured using the Quickstep process to provide high heating and cooling rates in previous work, exhibited improved chemical and mechanical properties. Proposed explanations for these improvements include; (i) a modification of the polymer-network configuration and cross-link density caused by a combination of high-rate curing and rapid setting of the network configuration during cooling and/or (ii) improved fibre surface wetting caused by the reduced viscosity of the resin system during the cure and consolidation processes. The first and primary objective of this proposed research program is to investigate these theories and quantify the effect of high cure process heat-transfer-rates on the physico-chemical properties of conventional epoxy-based pre-preg materials.
Publications
Poynton Gary
(2014)
Multi-component epoxy resin formulation for high temperature applications
Rizwan Choudhry
(2009)
Characterization of impact induced damage modes in composites using X-ray microtomography
Stein Jasmin
(2013)
Toughening of highly crosslinked epoxy resin systems
Description | Formulations for resins have been developed, through experimental design, for rapid curing using quickstep out of autoclave composite processing |
Exploitation Route | The experience, approach and findings are being used to develop formulations for microwave out of autoclave curing. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Provided input and evidence to the Reid review in Wales |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
URL | http://gov.wales/newsroom/educationandskills/2017/review-of-government-funded-research-and-innovatio... |
Description | High Value Manufacturing Catapult Fellowship |
Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2014 |
End | 10/2018 |
Description | Secondment |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Department | Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2015 |
End | 02/2018 |
Description | AMRC |
Organisation | Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Expertise on microwave processing of materials. dielectric measurements and microwave modeling |
Collaborator Contribution | The EPSRC High Value Manufacturing Catapult fellowship has brought together me with AMRC and NCC. AMRC now separately fund secondment for one day per week on top of this. AMRC and Day use each other's facilities and share materials |
Impact | Paper on control systems for microwave under review. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | AMRC |
Organisation | National Composites Centre (NCC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Expertise on microwave processing of materials. dielectric measurements and microwave modeling |
Collaborator Contribution | The EPSRC High Value Manufacturing Catapult fellowship has brought together me with AMRC and NCC. AMRC now separately fund secondment for one day per week on top of this. AMRC and Day use each other's facilities and share materials |
Impact | Paper on control systems for microwave under review. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Interview on radio |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 30 minute program dedicated to the research activity for public consumption |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05q5vj0 |
Description | Press releases |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Press releases about the research work to a public and specialist audience |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015 |
URL | https://www.glyndwr.ac.uk/en/AboutGlyndwrUniversity/Newsandmediacentre/Newsarchive/PressReleases2015... |