AIM

The motivation to achieve a ‘proper cure’ seems obvious/intuitive but what really happens if we don’t cure a thermoset composite properly? How does the degree of cure affect the fracture properties of the material? How does the degree of cure affect the material’s ability to stand up to ‘hot’ conditions and/or ‘wet’ conditions? In the ... Read more

Fiber-reinforced polymers and polymer-based materials are increasingly used in demanding applications due to their favorable strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility. However, their long-term performance is strongly influenced by aging processes that occur during service. Exposure to environmental and mechanical stressors can progressively alter material structure and properties, ultimately affecting reliability, durability, and safety. ... Read more

Light resin transfer moulding (LRTM) is a closed mould infusion process that shares commonalities with resin transfer moulding (RTM) and vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) with some key differences.  The LRTM process can increase productivity, reduce emissions, and improve quality compared to traditional wet layup.  Understanding the scientific theory behind this process and the ... Read more