Controlling mass loss from RTM6 epoxy resin under simulated vacuum infusion conditions

Parsons, Andrew J.; Gonciaruk, Aleksandra; Zeng, Xuesen; Thomann, Fernando Sarce; Schubel, Peter; Lorrillard, Julien; Johnson, Michael S.

Abstract

A certified aerospace resin (RTM 6) normally utilised for resin transfer moulding is considered for vacuum infusion. The resin was subjected to simulated vacuum infusion conditions by using a specialised thermogravimetric analysis that enables control of pressure as well as temperature. By varying conditions, it was possible to investigate the expected occurrence of volatile loses during infusion that could cause mechanical or cosmetic defects in a part. With particular reference to RTM6, it was determined that full vacuum could be used for infusion provided that the temperature was kept below ∼130 °C. Higher temperatures could be used, but the applied vacuum should be significantly reduced. Of note is that the manufacturers datasheet recommends processing parameters that could result in volatile loss. As such, the pressure enhanced TGA method may be considered more widely for providing processing conditions supplemental to the manufacturers recommendation for any liquid resin used under vacuum conditions.

Citation

Parsons, A. J., Gonciaruk, A., Zeng, X., Thomann, F. S., Schubel, P., Lorrillard, J., & Johnson, M. S. (2022). Controlling mass loss from RTM6 epoxy resin under simulated vacuum infusion conditions. Polymer Testing, 107, Article 107473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107473

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 5, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jan 7, 2022
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 17, 2022
• Journal: Polymer Testing
• Print ISSN: 0142-9418
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 107
• Article Number: 107473
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2022.107473
• Keywords: Polymers and Plastics; Organic Chemistry
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7274952
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142941822000022?via%3Dihub