Low Void Content Research Articles

HIGH VOLUME BRICK POWDER CONCRETE SYNERGISTIC WITH METAKAOLIN: PHYSICOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND DRYING SHRINKAGE

Currently, sustainability of the construction and building industry taken a priority. This study investigates the feasibility of using a high volume (up to 50%) of blended waste brick powder (BP) and metakaolin (MK) as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replacements. The binder of the control mixture was a blend of 50% OPC and 50% BP, while the other two mixes were prepared by substituting 10% and 20% of BP with MK. The characteristics of fresh concrete were assessed depending on measuring the mixture temperature, the fresh density, and the workability. The bulk density, and the mechanical properties were investigated and tested at 7 and 28 days. In the line of durability parameters, the void content and drying shrinkage up to 90 days of all mixtures were evaluated. The findings have demonstrated that the control mixture achieved high workability (slump =180 mm), structural compressive strength (34 MPa) at 28 days, low void content (<3%), and acceptable shrinkage strain. The workability of the mixes containing 10%MK:40%BP and 20%MK:30%BP has slightly decreased, while the mechanical properties were increased and the drying shrinkage were declined. However, the inclusion of This study highlighted an ecological technique toward waste management of construction materials and confirmed the possibility of including a high volume of BP as a cementitious material to synthesize more sustainable concrete.

Process parameters optimization of double‐vacuum‐bag technology for carbon fiber/resin composites

AbstractDouble‐vacuum‐bag (DVB) process, as an effective out‐of‐autoclave (OoA) technology, can manufacture composite materials with low void content and high mechanical properties. Therefore, this paper aimed to achieve low void content, the effects of pressure difference between inner and outer bags, dwelling temperature, and dwelling time on the void of composite laminates were studied based on orthogonal experimental method. The void content and morphology of laminates were statistically analyzed, by observing the microscopic images of the samples on cross‐section. The results show that the pressure difference between the inner and outer bags has a significant impact on the void content and morphology, while the dwelling temperature and dwelling time have little effect. In addition, with the variance analysis and extreme difference analysis, the optimal process parameters were determined as follows: pressure difference between inner and outer bags was 0 MPa, dwelling temperature was 110°C, and dwelling time was 15 min. The void content of composite laminates manufactured under these parameters is 0.07%, less than 1% requirement for aerospace components, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) is 110 MPa, which is 54.93% higher than the single‐vacuum‐bag (SVB) process. Generally, the void content and ILSS reached the level of hot press process with 0.6 MPa.Highlights Influence of different DVB process parameters on void were studied. Void content manufactured with the optimal DVB process parameters was less than 1%. ILSS of laminate with the optimal DVB process parameters was equal as hot press process.

The Role of Water Content and Binder to Aggregate Ratio on the Performance of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Mortars

Geopolymers are in many applications a perfect alternative to standard cements, especially regarding the sustainable development of green building materials. This experimental study therefore deals with the investigation of different factors, such as the water content and the binder to aggregate ratio, and their influence on the workability of fresh mortar and its mechanical properties and porosity on different size scales. Although increasing the water content improved the workability and flow behaviour of the fresh mortar, at the same time, a reduction in compressive strength in particular and a lesser reduction in flexural strength could be demonstrated. This finding can be attributed to an increase in capillary porosity, as demonstrated by capillary water uptake and mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements. At the same time, the increasing water content led to an improved deaeration effect (low air void content) and to initial segregation (see the µXCT measurements). An alternative approach to enhance the compressive and flexural strengths of the mortar specimens is optimization of the binder to aggregate ratio from 1 to 0.25. This study paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying chemistry of the geopolymerization reaction and is crucial for the development of sustainable alternatives to cementitious systems.

Effect of wettability on the void formation during liquid infusion into fibers

AbstractLiquid composite molding (LCM) is a promising option for low‐cost manufacturing of high‐performance composites compared to traditional prepreg‐autoclave methods. Void formation may be the most significant roadblock to such adaptation of LCM. In this article, the hypothesis that higher wettability, that is, lower contact angles of liquid on solids, would lead to lower void content for LCM is tested. First, a theory that calculates the energy required to form a bubble with varying contact angles is formulated by considering interfacial energy differences of a system with and without it. To experimentally prove this hypothesis, six different carbon fiber reinforcement samples were prepared each with a different fiber surface treatment. The wettability from the surface treatments was evaluated with contact angle measurements based on capillary rise between two fiber yarns. Void formation in situ during infusion was evaluated by a series of 1D infusion experiments using the same six surface modifications. Of the six samples, the reinforcements coated with fluorinated alkane and aminosilane showed the highest wettability and lowest void content, confirming that a lower contact angle can reduce the formation of voids during the infusion process.Highlights Higher wettability was correlated with less bubble (void) formation. Theoretical model and LCM experimental confirmation. Various surface modifications of carbon fibers tested. Potential application: enhancement of properties from LCM manufactured parts.

Characterization of polyamide thin films by atomic force microscopy

This study directly compares the mechanical behavior of novel molecular layer deposition (MLD) and analogous interfacial polymerization (IP) polyamide thin films in environments relevant to reverse osmosis (RO) membrane operation. The elastic modulus of the films was determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in dry, hydrated, and chlorinated states. Surface roughness characteristics were also obtained given their potential influence on AFM modulus measurements. The much smoother MLD films demonstrated a statistically higher modulus in all states as compared to their IP counterparts. The MLD films maintained a modulus ∼3X and ∼5X greater than that of IP films after hydration and chlorination, respectively. Such differences in behavior may be due to the higher density and correspondingly lower void content of the MLD films. Results from this study provide a rationale for future development of MLD for fabrication of polyamide films for incorporation in RO membranes.

An integrated experimental and analytical approach on mechanical characterization of advanced powder metallurgy aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with different particulates

Over the last few decades, ‘Discontinuously Reinforced Particulate Composites (DRPCs)’ are a popular class of composite materials with considerable challenge in processing, characterization and machinability because of their increased strength-weight ratio, stiffness, specific strength and oxidization when compared to various metals and their alloys. This paper discusses experimental and numerical investigation on mechanical characteristics of aluminum metal matrix reinforced with various reinforcement particulates such as silicon carbide, aluminium oxide, and zirconium oxide, compaction pressure (kN) and hold time (s) based on Design of Experiments (DOE) and Finite Element Analysis. Initially this paper discusses the process optimization of Aluminum Matrix reinforced with different particulates experimentally to identify the favourable processing conditions by varying reinforcement materials, compaction pressure (kN) and hold time (s) based on TDOE (Taguchi’s Design of Experiments). Further, this paper concentrates to determine ‘maximum principal stress, equivalent elastic strain and equivalent (von-mises) stress’ based on Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS Workbench-2023R1). The results of the experimentation showed that the highest hardness values were achieved with ZrO2 reinforcement material. Increasing the compaction pressure from 8 to 12 kN resulted in a slight decrease in surface roughness and porosity. Higher compaction pressures have assumed to facilitate better particle distribution and improved interfacial bonding, leading to smoother surfaces and lower void content. The simulation results showed that the maximum principal stress achieved were (2235.8 MPa) SiC, (3444.4 MPa) Al2O3, and (3582.5 MPa) ZrO2. The equivalent elastic strain achieved was (0.2488) SiC, (0.2421) Al2O3 and (0.262) ZrO2. The equivalent (Von Mises) stress achieved was (28751 MPa) for SiC, (24880 MPa) for ZrO2 and (26972 MPa) for Al2O3. This experimentation and simulation demonstrated that the PM process can be used to fabricate DRAMMC with different reinforcement particulates. The understanding gained experimentally and analytically from this research can be applied for future processing of Aluminum Matrix Reinforced with different particulates.

Investigation into the mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight mortar using commercial beads or recycled expanded polystyrene

Abstract The addition of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in cement mortar is a key to enhancing buildings’ insulation and reducing energy consumption. The main objective of this study is to improve the thermal conductivity of lightweight mortar (LWM) by using the EPS. Also, to overcome the segregation problem when increasing the EPS proportion by more than 70% by volume, slurry sand was used. To achieve that, more EPS waste is required to produce an LWM with less cement and natural resources (sand) content. The effect of different percentages and particle sizes of the EPS either virgin or grated on the workability, density, compressive, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity were investigated by using the EPS with the range of 0, 75, 80, and 85% by mortar’s volume. The results exposed that LWM with grated EPS waste had greater physical and mechanical properties than with EPS beads because it has low void content and suitable distribution. In addition, mortar with 85% grated EPS had similar properties than that with 75% EPS beads. Accordingly, EPS should be grinded to increase its volumetric percentage in the mixture. Also, electron microscopy was used as an integral technique to study surface morphology between mortar components and the EPS.

Physical-mechanical behavior of workable mortars with Perna perna mussel shell as fine aggregate

Cultivation of mussels stands as a significant economic activity in coastal regions Brazil. Often disregarded as waste, mussel shells (MS) possess properties that can be harnessed in the production of building materials. This study explores the utilization of large amounts of Perna perna MS as fine aggregates for the production of fluid mortars. Key parameters such as compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption and void ratio were evaluated. Specimens were prepared according to a full factorial design, with variations of MS content (%MS) (45 to 65 vol%) and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio (0.40 to 0.50). The resulting fluid mortars exhibited satisfactory strength, minimal segregation, and low void content with compactness at the aggregate-cement paste interface. The increase in %MS contributed to higher mortar bulk density but led to reduced void ratio, compressive strength, and workability. The incorporation of a superplasticizer (SP) significantly improved the matrix by enhancing the dispersion of cement particles, mitigating the adverse effects of reduced cementitious material, and enhancing strength. The influence of w/c on compressive strength was found to be 1.6 times greater than that for %MS, while its impact on void ratio was 0.5 times smaller. The full factorial model effectively predicted the mix design for MS-added mortars, yielding strengths ranging from 12 to 21 MPa and void ratios from 21 to 34%.

Flexural Behaviour and Durability of Self Compacting Concrete Mixed with SN-Based Corrosion Inhibitor

The present study aimed to create a Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) that possesses long-lasting properties and evaluate its fresh, mechanical, and durability properties by substituting 30% of the cement with class F fly ash. Furthermore, the performance of SCC that has been admixed with an SN-based corrosion inhibitor was investigated. Various factors such as the ratio of water to powder, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate (12mm downgraded), and the SN-based corrosion inhibitor were studied. The particle size distribution of the materials was analyzed using a sieve to achieve an even distribution of sizes, appropriate packing, and a lower void content. Multiple mixes were conducted, each with a unique combination of fine and coarse aggregate, as well as a water-to-powder ratio that was altered to optimize the mix percentage. Finally, controlled SCC (or mix M2) met the fresh property standards outlined in the EFNARC guidelines and specifications.The mechanical and durability properties of control SCC and SCC admixed with an SN-based corrosion inhibitor were investigated. Results showed a significant improvement in the compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural behavior of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beams when control SCC was utilized. Furthermore, the SCC with 2% SN demonstrated superior performance in terms of chloride penetration compared to the control SCC. The flexural strength parameters of the SCC with 2% SN were comparable to those of the control SCC. Based on the study's findings, it can be concluded that the addition of inhibitors at a weight percentage of 2% of the cement supplied increased durability properties without affecting the strength properties of SCC. Therefore, the created durable SCC can be recommended for applications such as bridges, prefabricated constructions, and deck slabs which are densely crowded with steel rebars. The study's findings could contribute to the development of SCC with enhanced properties, which would lead to more durable and sustainable construction materials.

Characterization of Void Content, Tensile Strength, and Chemical Resistance in Hybrid Polymer Composites Reinforced with Oil Palm and Jute Fibers

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFBS) and jute fibres were used as outer and inner layers to create a tri-layer hybrid composite. Oil palm EFBS-jute composites were tested for void content, tensile strength, and chemical resistance. The research examined the 4:1 oil palm EFBS-jute weight ratio. Optimized fibre loading and stacking patterns were tested. The Jute-fibre/EFBS/Jute-fibre hybrid composites had the maximum tensile strength of 28.72 MPa and a lower void content of 3.18%. Both hybrid composites have superior chemical resistance compared to pure fibres. However, Jute-fiber/EFBS/Jute-fiber hybrid composites outperform EFBS/Jute-fiber/EFBS hybrid composites, showing an improvement of 5% to 30% under various chemical conditions.

Surface functionalization of carbon fiber by hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanostructures for mechanical strengthening of polymer composites

AbstractIn this work, the effects of ZnO nanostructure‐surface functionalized carbon fibers has been examined along with their impacts on mechanical attributes of resulting hybrid carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The procedure involves hydrothermally generating ZnO nanostructures on carbon fibers. To generate hybrid composites, the modified carbon fiber fabric is then utilized as reinforcement in a matrix made of bisphenol‐A epoxy resin and polymer. The electron microscopy technique was employed to study development phenomenon of nanostructures on the fiber. According to the findings, lengthening the growth treatment and increasing seeding cycles improves the rate of ZnO formation. However, the results are not significantly impacted by the growth solution's concentration. The weight change analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐spectroscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy all provide additional support for these conclusions. In comparison to plain CFRP composites, the developed hybrid CFRP composites tensile properties and impact resistance are significantly better. The ZnO‐modified CFRP composites exhibit improvements in elastic modulus, tensile strength, and in‐plane shear strength of up to 46.44%, 48.63%, and 20.79%, respectively. The hybrid composites' capacity to absorb impact energy also rises by 76%. Based on these results, the developed hybrid composites exhibit promising properties for applications in industries such as aircraft and automobile manufacturing. They offer high impact strength, high modulus, lightweight characteristics, and low void content, making them desirable materials for these industries.Highlights Controlled growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanostructures on fiber surface has been accomplished using hydrothermal method. Characteristics of CFRP composites such as tensile strength, elastic modulus, in‐plane shear strength, and impact energy absorption, were significantly enhanced on inclusion of ZnO. The developed hybrid composites offer cost‐effective solutions with improved mechanical properties. High impact strength and modulus make them suitable for applications in aircraft and automobile industries. Achieved exceptional morphological structure and enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio.

Characterization of the void content and laminate quality of fiber‐reinforced plastic composites manufactured using the resin spray and compaction method

AbstractVoid fraction and fiber volume fraction (FVF) are among the most important parameters determining the quality of fiber‐reinforced plastic products. Most of the voids in liquid composite molding–manufactured composites are directly related to the viscous matrix (resin) flow through the porous medium (fiber) during impregnation. In this investigation, a different method, resin spray rather than injection was used to reduce the resin's flow path, which resulted in low void content and higher FVF. The resin was sprayed on the surface of the preform, and compaction was applied to infiltrate the resin towards the thickness. Sample laminates were manufactured, and computer tomography scanning was applied to diagnose void content and laminae quality. The images collected from the scanner were analyzed using ImageJ software. Effects of compaction pressure and compaction speed were characterized. According to the investigation, compaction speed was the key factor in determining a laminate's void content. Only 1.5% void fraction was integrated with a compaction speed of 1 mm/min and a compaction pressure of 100 KPa. On the other hand, compaction speed has less of an impact on a laminate's FVF.Highlights The void fraction of a composite is reduced via the spray and compaction method. Fiber volume fraction is not much affected by compaction speed. Slow compaction speeds minimize void content. Spray compaction is a low‐cost manufacturing method.

Mode I fracture of thick adhesively bonded GFRP composite joints for wind turbine rotor blades

This article investigates the effects of voids, joint geometry, and test conditions on the quasi-static Mode I fracture performance of thick adhesive Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) joints such as those prevailing in wind industry and shipbuilding. The specimens were made by glass fiber reinforced epoxy adherend and SikaPower®-830 epoxy adhesive in the cm thickness range. Side-grooved shape guided the crack propagation direction and assisted stable propagation, while lower cross-head displacement rates reduced the occurrence of unstable crack propagation and prevented crack deflection. Porosities, which are inevitable due to the high viscosity of the adhesive, led to unstable propagation and promoted crack path deviations. They could also decrease the apparent fracture energy release rate (SERR) since the crack surface is reduced. In conclusion, grooved DCB joints with low void content tested at low displacement rates showed stable crack propagation without significant crack path deviation. This method enables comparison with future adhesive formulations and the refinement of full-scale blade models.

The combined impact of voids and thermal aging on the mechanical reliability of epoxy resin evaluated by statistical analysis

Epoxy resin is widely used in electrical engineering, and its long-term mechanical performance is directly related to the durability of the equipment. The issue might be aggravated when voids are introduced during manufacturing process and when the material is used under high temperature environment. This study aims to precisely reveal the effects of voids and thermal aging on mechanical strength of epoxy resin. Specimens with low and high void content were prepared and thermally aged at 105 ℃ for various lengths of time. Tensile test, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the finite element simulation were employed to investigate the failure mechanism. The chemical change due to thermal aging was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The results illustrate the crack is initiated at the edge of the void due to stress concentration. With the increased void content, there was a slight decrease in the mean tensile strength but a large (108%) increase in the standard deviation. During thermal aging, the chain scission and oxidation were observed via FTIR, along with the inhomogeneity of chemical compounds. A defect density parameter ρ was proposed and integrated into the Weibull distribution to study the synergistic effect of voids and thermal aging on the mechanical properties. This statistical analysis quantitatively describes the decrease in average tensile strength and the increase in data scattering with ascending defect density ρ, due to higher void content and thermal aging. When 0.0005% failure probability is required, the predicted failure stress is significantly reduced from 49.6 MPa to 1.18 MPa for the specimen with high level of void after the long-term aging. In this work, we demonstrate that Weibull statistical analysis can quantitatively evaluate the impact of void defects and thermal aging and provide strength design for the high-reliability epoxy material.

Development and implementation of direct electric cure of plain weave CFRP composites for aerospace

Curing aerospace composites is time-consuming with high energy requirements, particularly when using methods such as autoclaves, ovens and heated presses. This study investigates direct electric cure (DEC), which uses the Joule effect to directly heat carbon fibre composites to their cure temperature. Its benefits include a significant increase in energy efficiency, control over the cure temperature and low void content compared to oven curing. Samples were manufactured with vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) and prepreg, as well as curing a two-meter-long leading-edge component, to demonstrate and evaluate the curing method at scale. The average void content for VARTM DEC samples was lower by 0.82 % compared to the oven-cured panel, however, the average degree of cure (DoC) decreased by 6.25 %. Normalised energy consumption for the cure was significantly reduced for all DEC cures, with VARTM cures using 99 % less energy than oven-cured components.

Combining filament winding with tailored fiber placement in composite cylinders locally reinforced with fibrous patches

In this paper, a novel hybrid manufacturing process that combines filament winding (FW) and tailored fiber placement (TFP) is introduced. The main idea is to place a TFP patch in between two filament wound layers aiming at maximizing the load transfer between the parts. To assess its feasibility, physical properties, such as density, fiber volume fraction and void content, and also the hybrid process kinematics and error propagation are evaluated. Furthermore, to determine the mechanical performance of this novel procedure, axial compression tests are carried out considering several unidirectional TFP patches. Key results show low-void content and good cross-section quality, demonstrating the feasibility of the process. In addition, mass–normalized load peaks as high as 394% with respect to the reference (non-patched) cylinder were obtained.

An experimental study of boiling two-phase flow in a vertical rod bundle with a spacer grid. Part 1: Effects of mass flux and heat flux

We conducted boiling flow experiments in a 3 × 3 rod bundle containing a spacer grid with split type mixing vanes where the central rod was heated. Void fraction around the spacer grid was measured with high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. The study focusses on the effects of mass and heat flux on the void fraction downstream of the spacer for mass flux and heat flux ranging from 535 to 1950 kg/m2 s and 42.8 to 107.2 kW/m2, respectively. As the working fluid, refrigerant Octafluorocyclobutane (RC 318) was used and fluid scaling was applied. We found that the void fraction increases as the flow passes through the vanes and then decreases downstream until Z≈4Dh, and then increases again. In addition, we found that the mixing vanes cause a local increase in void fraction even at low heat flux or high mass flux, and that the arrangement of the vanes influences the size and location of the high and low void content regions. We also found that the effect of heat flux on the relative void fraction is more noticeable at high mass flux than at low mass flux. In the second part of the study, which will be presented in a separate paper, we investigated the effect of different vane angles on the void fraction.

Improvements in Temperature Uniformity in Carbon Fiber Composites during Microwave-Curing Processes via a Recently Developed Microwave Equipped with a Three-Dimensional Motion System.

Curing processes for carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites via microwave heating are promising alternatives to conventional thermal curing because this technology results in nonhomogeneous temperature distributions, which hinder its further development in industries. This paper proposes a novel method for improving heating homogeneities by employing three-dimensional motion with respect to the prepreg laminate used in the microwave field by using a recently developed microwave system. The maximum temperature deviation on the surface of the laminate can be controlled within 8.7 °C during the entire curing process, and it produces an average heating rate of 1.42 °C/min. The FT-IR analyses indicate that microwave heating would slightly influence hydroxyl and methylene contents in the cured laminate. The DMA measurements demonstrate that the glass transition temperatures can be improved by applying proper microwave-curing processes. Optical microscopy and mechanical tests reveal that curing the prepreg laminate by using a multistep curing process that initially cures the laminate at the resin's lowest viscosity for 10 min followed by curing the laminate at a high temperature for a short period of time would be favorable for yielding a sample with low void contents and the desired mechanical properties. All these analyses are supposed to prove the feasibility of controlling the temperature difference during microwave-curing processes within a reasonable range and provide a cured laminate with improved properties compared with conventional thermally cured products.

Experimental investigation on mechanical and thermal characteristics of waste sheep wool fiber-filled epoxy composites

With the escalating trends of environmental contamination, the necessity of exploring environment friendly composites has increased. Foreseeing a sustainable future, this study investigates mechanical and thermal characteristics of woven (W), and non– woven waste sheep wool fiber (N, C, F) reinforced epoxy composites. The composites are fabricated using the in-house Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technique in a controlled environment. Using animal fiber-filled epoxy composites were created. The density, void content, hardness, and tensile strength of differentially ordered waste sheep wool fiber have been examined. Also, thermal characteristics such as effective thermal conductivity (Keff) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the said composites have been evaluated. The results of the experimental investigation reveal that non-woven needle punched (N) animal fiber polymer composites exhibit good interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix with lower void content and higher tensile strength. Also, waste animal fiber-woven (W) and felt (F) polymer composites exhibit better hardness and low thermal conductivity. Thus, it can be said that the fabricated waste sheep wool fiber-filled epoxy composites exhibit better mechanical and thermal characteristics for insulating building components.

Predictive Thermal Modeling and Characterization of Ultrasonic Consolidation Process for Thermoplastic Composites

Abstract Ultrasonic consolidation (USC) of thermoplastic composites is a highly attractive and promising method to manufacture high-performance composites. This work focuses on USC of dry carbon fiber (CF) fabrics with high-temperature polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) films. Experimental trials to assess feasibility of the process are time-consuming. Consequently, a predictive thermal model would facilitate process parameters selection to reduce expensive trial-and-error approaches. This paper presents a 2D finite element model of samples under consolidation, incorporating equations for viscoelastic heating, matrix phase change, and material properties. Theoretical temperature profiles for nodes of interest were compared to the corresponding experimental temperature curves for various control parameters (i.e., weld time and vertical displacement of sonotrode) and showed good agreement during heating phase. It was found that welding time values below 1750 ms were insufficient to reach melting temperature, whereas weld times above 3000 ms led to the lowest average void content (2.43 ± 0.81%). More specifically, the time the material spent above melting temperature, i.e., residence time, was established as a parameter that could estimate cases resulting in better consolidation and lower void content (time above 2600 ms for void content below 2.5%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization revealed that the USC process led to mostly amorphous PPS, due to the high cooling rates (70 °C/s to 108 °C/s). Overall, the thermal model and micro-structural outcomes confirmed the feasibility of the USC process for layered composites made from dry fabric and high-temperature thermoplastic films.