Abstract
In this study, the kinetic parameters belonging to the cross-linking process of a modified epoxy resin, Aerotuf 275-34™, were investigated. Resin curing kinetics are crucial to understanding the structure–property–processing relationship for manufacturing high-performance carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRPCs). The parameters were obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements and the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, Kissinger, Borchardt–Daniels, and Friedman approaches. The DSC thermograms show two exothermic peaks that were deconvoluted as two separate reactions that follow autocatalytic models. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of produced carbon fiber/Aerotuf 275-34™ laminates using thermosetting polymers such as epoxies, phenolics, and cyanate esters were evaluated as a function of the conversion degree, and a close correlation was found between the degree of curing and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). We found that when the composite material is cured at 160 °C for 15 min, it reaches a conversion degree of 0.97 and a UTS value that accounts for 95% of the maximum value obtained at 200 °C (180 MPa). Thus, the application of such processing conditions could be enough to achieve good mechanical properties of the composite laminates. These results suggest the possibility for the development of strategies towards manufacturing high-performance materials based on the modified epoxy resin (Aerotuf 275-34™) through the curing process.
Highlights
The automotive and aeronautic industries are developing efficient means of transport considering aspects such as energy consumption, environmental impact, weight, and cost
A modified epoxy resin designed for aerospace applications was used in carbon fiber prepregs, and their kinetic parameters were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements
Two exothermal peaks were observed in the thermograms, which were deconvoluted into two reactions
Summary
The automotive and aeronautic industries are developing efficient means of transport considering aspects such as energy consumption, environmental impact, weight, and cost. In the aerospace industry, there is a continuous search for lightweight materials with adequate mechanical properties that can be manufactured by simple processes In this sense, Lamborgini [17] developed carbon fiber/thermoset resin composites that can be used for producing the inner monocoque and suspension control arms of the Sesto Elemento. Lamborgini [17] developed carbon fiber/thermoset resin composites that can be used for producing the inner monocoque and suspension control arms of the Sesto Elemento This technology is based on chopped carbon fiber prepregs which are randomly distributed into a mold for forging at determined pressure and temperature, whereas the curing process is in progress. The use of temperature allows the resin to flow, and the applied pressure facilitates the consolidation of the composite material, while voids are suppressed This process has the benefit of reducing the manufacturing time and cost in comparison to others previously used [17]
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