Doctoral Dissertations

Keywords and Phrases

Autoclave curing; Composites; Manufacturing; Mechanical characterization; Microwave curing; Non-destructive testing

Abstract

Microwave curing is fast, energy-efficient, and a viable alternative to conventional thermal curing processes. It has been widely adopted for processing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites because the high electrical conductivity of carbon fibers enables strong microwave coupling, leading to rapid volumetric heating and reduced energy consumption. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of microwave curing for manufacturing CFRP composites. IM7/Cycom 5320-1 unidirectional prepreg was utilized to fabricate laminated composites in two thickness ranges: 16-layer laminates (2.5 mm thickness) and 64-layer laminates (9.2 mm thickness). Two lay-up configurations were examined: symmetric cross-ply and quasi-isotropic. Different curing approaches were employed depending on laminate thickness. A single-magnetron microwave applicator was used for thin laminates, while a six-magnetron microwave system was employed for thick laminates. Porosity and quality of the microwave-cured parts were compared against autoclave-cured counterparts through optical microscopy and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning. Mechanical characterization of the cured panels was carried out via uniaxial tensile, flexural, compression, and impact tests. Results from microwave-cured samples were compared with those of autoclave-cured specimens. Experimental results revealed that microwave-cured composites showed comparable results as those cured using autoclave.

Advisor(s)

Chandrashekhara, K.

Committee Member(s)

Donnell, Kristen M.
Corns, Steven
Schuman, Thomas P.
Yang, Xiaodong

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

Paper I, found on pages 6–42, has been published in Polymer Composites Journal.

Paper II, found on pages 43–75, has been submitted to Polymer International Journal.

Paper III, found on pages 76–91, is intended for submission to Polymer Testing Journal.

Pagination

xiii, 98 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 95-97)

Rights

© 2026 Nayan Pundhir , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12604

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