Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) in polymer matrix composites

Abstract

The vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process is a closed-mold process that is capable of manufacturing highperformance and large-scale fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) parts with low tooling cost. This chapter is divided into two parts: the first providing an overview of the VARTM process and the second highlighting the membrane-based VARTM process variation used in aerospace applications. In particular, the chapter explains the physics including mold filling, cure kinetics, fiber preform compaction, spring-in, dry spot and microvoid formation. Reported studies to address the related processing issues and a collection of useful analytical models are reviewed. The development trends and emerging uses of VARTM in nanocomposites and the green FRP are also covered. The second part highlights the membrane-based infusion process that is a promising variation of VARTM. The additional membrane, which is permeable to gas and impermeable to the resin, facilitates the improved means to avoid dry spot formation and to continuously degas the resin during the infusion and curing stages compared to conventional VARTM.