Characterization of hybrid advanced composite: RTM processing

Abstract

Composites are materials very attractive to the aeronautical industry due to higher mechanical strength for a light weight structure. Regarding hybrids composites, the possibility to combine different fibers advantages is a benefit considering the fact that a reduction of less desirable characteristics occurrs simultaneously. Epoxy resin as a matrix, a thermoset polymer, present mechanical properties most suitable to aeronautical applications when compared with thermoplastic polymers, for example, so often this material is chosen as matrix advanced composites. Among the manufacturing processes the resin transfer molding (RTM) has been large interest due the easier of fabrication as a cost relatively lower than of other traditional methods as the autoclave. However, due to the use of rigid closed mold, high residual stresses can to be inserted in the matrix, moreover, the fact to be reinforced by fibrous of different natures, during the cure process changes in the properties related to the relaxation phenomenon of polymers can occurr and the knowledge of this is important to characterize the advanced composite. In this work the viscoelastic proprieties through of dynamic mechanic analysis of advanced composite hybrid of carbon and glass fiber/ epoxy system will be studied and compared with those of polymer unreinforced. (AU)