| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Symposium
|
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Presentation Title |
Wet Compression Molding of Biocomposites – A Case Study |
| Author(s) |
Daniel Francis Walczyk, Sharmad Joshi, Ronald Bucinell, Jaron Kuppers |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Daniel Francis Walczyk |
| Abstract Scope |
This paper discusses a manufacturing case study of a commercial vehicle component, specifically 4mm-thick composite laminate seats for an electric bus. The challenging design and manufacturing requirements for the electric bus seats considered include: (1) maximizing the biocontent of constituent materials and (2) achieving production cycle times of less than 10 minutes. For the first requirement, three natural fibers textile reinforcements (hemp, flax, and pure cellulose) and a high biocontent epoxy resin were tested. For the second requirement, wet compression molding (WCM) was investigated, where dry preforms are infused with resin in the thickness direction. Steps in WCM include: (1) placing dry, natural fiber, multi-ply textile preforms in a female mold; (2) pouring bio-based epoxy resin on top of the nested preform; (3) pushing resin through the dry preform’s thickness while under vacuum using a matching male mold, which as a special resin sealing and air venting arrangement, and a thermal press; (4) curing the impregnated flat laminate in place at an elevated temperature; and finally (5) ejecting the composite part. Through-thickness impregnation experiments and analysis demonstrate that complete impregnation of a 4 mm thick flat laminate within 2 minutes is possible. Use of WCM along with a rapid-cure resin will allow the cycle time requirements to be met. Finally, flexural modulus and strength for all specimens are measured to allow comparisons of structural performance based on material combination and fiber volume fraction. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |