Abstract
This chapter gives an introduction to liquid composite moulding (LCM) processes, which are frequently used in the industrial production of composite components. In LCM, a dry fibrous reinforcement is formed to the component geometry, placed in some form of closed mould where an applied compaction pressure determines the fibre volume fraction, and then impregnated with a liquid polymer matrix system. The impregnated reinforcement is left in the mould until resin cure is complete. Then the rigid composite is demoulded, and the component is finished. Whilst complete impregnation of the reinforcement with the matrix system is important for all composites manufacturing processes, long-range resin flow occurs only in LCM. An overview of the physical effects governing LCM processes and determining the quality of the component and the process cycle time is given. Relevant reinforcement and matrix properties are discussed, and frequently used process variants are described, focusing on practical issues.
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