| 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 |
Efficient Manufacturing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced EPON-Based Epoxy Resin Composites via Hot Press-Triggered Frontal Polymerization |
| Author(s) |
Amirreza Tarafdar, Ian D. Hosein, Yeqing Wang |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Yeqing Wang |
| Abstract Scope |
The demands for eco-friendly and efficient manufacturing of thermoset-based fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites drive the exploration for alternatives to traditional, energy-intensive curing methods like ovens or autoclaves technique. Frontal polymerization (FP) offers a promising solution with its rapid curing and lower energy consumption, using external triggers like heat or UV light to initiate a self-sustaining reaction that turns monomers into polymers. While acrylate resins, like poly(dicyclopentadiene) (pDCPD), offer quick reactions and low heat release in FP, their short pot life and limited industrial application have restrictions. Epoxy-based monomers are more adaptable for FRP uses. The radical-induced cationic frontal polymerization (RICFP) method, developed for epoxies, not only prolongs the resin's pot life but also ensures the production of carbon fiber-reinforced composites whose mechanical properties match those of traditionally cured composites, enhancing polymerization speed with a dual initiation system.
In this study, we explored the UV–induced frontal polymerization of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced (CFRP) composites. We used a dual-initiator material system (i.e., the photo-initiator and the thermal-initiator) for the frontal specimens. We investigated the uniformity of the degree of cure and the porosity at different cross-sections of the laminate, and more importantly, the effect of different PI weight ratios on the tensile and flexural properties of CFRP laminate. The mechanical properties of the CFRP laminates as well as comparisons of these properties between composite laminates cured using the UV-induced frontal polymerization and those cured using the conventional thermal curing method will also be covered in the results of our research. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |