An Enhanced Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding Process and Its Pressure Effect on Resin Infusion Behavior and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Manufacturing Processes

Background:

• Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is a widely used composite manufacturing technique.
• Optimizing resin infusion and final composite properties in VARTM remains a challenge.
• Understanding the influence of process parameters on fiber volume fraction and void content is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and investigate an enhanced VARTM process with controlled pressure stages.
• To elucidate the mechanisms controlling fiber volume fraction and void content.
• To evaluate the impact of the enhanced VARTM on resin infusion and composite performance.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel VARTM pressure control system.
• Theoretical calculations and simulations of resin flow patterns (in-plane, transverse, 3D).
• Experimental validation using thin-walled composite components.

Main Results:

• The enhanced VARTM process demonstrated improved mold filling efficiency.
• Significant improvements in composite material performance were observed.
• Compared to regular VARTM, panel thickness decreased by 4%, tensile strength increased by 7.3% (to 760 MPa), and fiber volume fraction rose from 55% to 62%.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced VARTM process effectively controls resin infusion and composite properties.
• Optimized pressure application during VARTM leads to reduced porosity and increased fiber volume fraction.
• This method offers a pathway to superior composite materials with enhanced mechanical performance.