Cure and Process Optimization for Manufacturing BMI Composites using OOA Process

Abstract

Bismaleimide (BMI) resins are polyimides used in high-performance structural composites that require superior toughness and high-temperature resistance. Out-of-autoclave (OOA) processing of composites offers several key benefits compared to autoclave processing such as lower manufacturing cost resulting from a lower capital cost and lower energy consumption. Since few composite manufacturers have large, high-temperature autoclaves, OOA processing of BMI can broaden the use of these materials and expand the high-temperature composite parts supplier base. It is desirable to have BMI OOA prepreg systems cure at reasonably low temperatures with sufficient degree of cure and green strength to maintain rigidity for subsequent freestanding post cure. In the present work, high-temperature composite laminates are manufactured using BMI OOA prepreg. Required modifications to the OOA process to achieve low void content are identified and implemented. Panels are manufactured using the modified process and their flexure and short beam shear strengths are measured. Free-standing post cures are performed and the panels are monitored for droop. Cure cycle variations are run and resultant degrees of cure are obtained using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique. Copyright 2013 by Aurora Flight Sciences.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-193455115-8

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

12 Aug 2013

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