Development and Performance Analysis of Out of Autoclave Curing Process for CFRP Components

Abstract

Composite materials in general and carbon fiber reinforced polymer, in particular, are finding an increased usage in industries. The carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) are used in many industries like aerospace, marine, automobile, and sport owing to its high strength and stiffness properties compared to traditional metals and its alloys. The autoclave curing process is one of the most advanced and developed process for the manufacturing of advanced composite materials. As, the setup preparation cost and curing time of materials are very high in autoclave process, different out of autoclave (OOA) processes are being developed. Heat transfer fluid (HTF) method for curing is quite possibly the most encouraging technique for OOA curing. This curing process is ideal for small-sized components, quick, compact, energy efficient and achieves a great reduction in cost and time. This dissertation report describes the design and development of a novel HTF curing setup for CFRP prepreg. The specimens have been manufactured using the HTF curing process according to ASTM standards. The mechanical properties like tensile and flexural strength have been measured for fabricated test coupons. The results obtained for mechanical properties in HTF curing process have been compared with samples prepared with autoclave and microwave curing process. It has been observed that mechanical properties obtained in HTF curing process are 48 % higher than other curing process because of presence of less void content and high bonding developed in fiber-matrix during process.