Investigation of Vartm Processing of High Temperature RP-46 Resin System

• Other Authors: Prasad, Thammiah M. (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Industrial engineering; Production engineering
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-0441

The advantages of using polymer matrix composites in various applications are very well known throughout many industries. Their introduction and subsequent development since the 1940's has led to major cost savings due to their lightweight and excellent mechanical properties. Off late, product designers have been taking advantage of improved thermal properties (CTE, thermo-oxidative stability) that these composite materials have to offer. This began with the development of PMR-15, a high temperature polyimide resin back in the 1970's. The aerospace industry has increasingly turned towards high temperature polymer matrix composites (HTPMC) to replace other heavier materials in engine components thus improving the thrust to weight of the engine. But, PMR-15 has a major drawback related to high safety standards that are needed during processing. The implementation of these controls during processing resulted in huge costs to the industry. This led to the development of a new polyimide high temperature resin system called RP-46 at NASA Langley research center. RP-46 has excellent thermal and mechanical properties comparable to PMR-15 and is safer to handle due to the absence of the lethal MDA monomer, a carcinogen. This research investigates the issues related to processing of RP-46 resin system using the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process, a cost effective method for manufacturing composite materials. The entire process is setup keeping in consideration the requirement of high temperature environments for processing of RP-46. A number of initial trials helped understand the dynamics of the process and identify critical factors and key parameters. The various laminates that were made were tested for mechanical properties (ASTM D3039 - Tensile strength and modulus) and thermal properties (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Thermal Mechanical Analysis, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis) were performed and the results were compared with RP-46 samples made using autoclave processing. Although the VARTM laminates had issues related to void contents and the release of volatiles during the infusion stage of the process, the VARTM process was found to be feasible to make composites with RP-46. === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Industrial Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. === Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2004. === Date of Defense: April 16, 2004. === High Temperature Composites, VARTM === Includes bibliographical references. === Chuck Zhang, Professor Directing Thesis; Okenwa Okoli, Committee Member; Zhiyong Liang, Committee Member.