Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagram of a carbon fiber epoxy prepreg

Abstract

The Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) diagram of a commercially available carbon fiber epoxy prepreg system has been developed by determining the gelation and vitrification behavior using small amplitude oscillatory shear and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Rheological measurements were made on the neat matrix system through separation of the fiber from the matrix using acetone washing of the un-cured carbon fiber epoxy prepreg. Dynamic DSC experiments were performed on the as-received carbon fiber epoxy prepreg system, and their cure kinetics modeled using two phenomenological models. Development of the TTT diagram for the carbon fiber epoxy prepreg will aid in the development of the optimal molding conditions required to improve manufacturing cycle time.