Abstract
Filling time and volume fill prediction of long and complex parts produced using the method of resin infusion is of prominent importance. Fibre volume fraction, reinforcement type and composite laminate thickness significantly affect the manufacturing behaviour. It is crucial to have an estimate of fabrication parameters such as filling time. The PAM-RTM (resin transfer moulding) commercial software package makes it possible to characterize the production parameters in connection with lab scale experiments. In this work, simulation tools demonstrate an accurate prediction of the resin infusion process of pulp-based fabrics and characterization of the dynamic phenomena are verified using the analytical solution for a simple part. The accurate prediction for fabrication of pulp-based fabric Elium® composite demonstrated here can be beneficial for scaling up the composite part size and production speed. The filling time was accurately predicted until 270 s for the volume fill of 10–100% using the software tool and analytical solution. This proves the rayon fabric processing capabilities as a reinforcement for industry related projects and opens for the possibility of infusion process optimization.
Highlights
In the past two decades, the reinforcing potential of lignocellulosic and cellulosic fibres in polymers, in particular thermoplastics, has attracted industry and researchers [1,2]
The individual cellulose fibrils of lignocellulosic fibre need to be separated
It was found that PAM-resin transfer moulding (RTM) commercial software package is a very beneficial tool for prediction of rein infusion behaviour and calibration of permeability values
Summary
In the past two decades, the reinforcing potential of lignocellulosic and cellulosic fibres in polymers, in particular thermoplastics, has attracted industry and researchers [1,2]. Besides natural fibres (NFs), particular consideration has been paid to wood and pulp fibres [3], especially in the countries where this sort of natural resources is abundant such as Sweden These fibres provide CO2 neutrality, better disposal and recyclability, reduced abrasion to manufacturing machinery and possess a lower density of 1.5 g/cm rather than 2.5 g/cm as compared to that of synthetic glass counterpart [4,5]. The individual cellulose fibrils of lignocellulosic fibre (which have the aspect ratios required for efficient reinforcement and are fairly uniform) need to be separated. This has not yet been achieved at a commercial scale and poses substantial practical issues. Natural fibres can exhibit dissimilar properties due to the lack of control based on varying conditions during their growth and their posterior chemical modification
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
