Resin transfer molding vacuum-assisted

Hsiao K-T, Heider D. Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) in polymer matrix composites. In Advani S, Hsiao K-T, editors. Manufacturing techniques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs). Cambridge (UK) Woodhead Publishing Limited 2012. 

Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) is a process to form and shape FRP composites. Fibers are layered on a solid mold base and covered by a vacuum bag. By generating a vacuum, the vacuum bag is compacted owing to the action of atmospheric pressure, and, therefore, air bubbles are ehminated. Porous fabrics absorb excess resin and the entire material is cured to obtain better mechanical properties. This processing technology is suitable to a certain level of automation and ensures a good geometrical control and a smooth surface. 

G. Francucci, A. Vazquez, E. Ruiz and E. S. Rodriguez, Capillary Effects in Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding With Natural Fibers, Polymer Composites, 2012, 1593. 

VARTM Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding... 

Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding is not the same as applying a vacnum with RTM because ... 

Vaidya UK, Jadhav NC, Hosur MV, Gillespie JW, Fink BK, Assessment of flow and cure monitoring using direct current and alternating current sensing in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, Smart Materials and Structures, UK, 9(6), 727-736, 2000. 

Flax, recycled paper chicken feathers and E-glass fiber Soybean oil-based resin Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding Structural panels and unit beams [21]... 

Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM)... 

Various processes, such as RTM (resin transfer molding), VARTM (vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding), and RFl (resin film infusion) can be used to make composite parts. 

Occasionally, fibers or tows are inserted or laid into a shape as a preform, and the whole preform is subjected to the injection of the resin system under pressure, such as resin transfer molding (RTM) vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM) or even partial injection of the resin or part of the resin system, with the same qualified resin transfer molding (SqRTM) process. In every case, there is the real possibility of fibers moving under the influence of the injected resin, producing considerable doubt as to the final formal structure, position, or integrity of the fibers after molding. 

Key words vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), vacuum-assisted process (VAP), modeling, defects, compaction. 

Setup of the injection and double vacuum-assisted resin transfer Molding (IDVARTM) process proposed by Fan ef a/.The IDVARTM setup controls the preform porosity, compaction and the pressure inside the preform during the resin infusion process by changing the chamber vacuum pressure.The capillary flow effect and the Darcy s flow effect are both utilized in the IDVARTM process to infuse the MWCNTs enhanced epoxy into the glass fiber preform. (This original schematic Is created based on the work reported in reference 38.)... 

Hsiao, K.-T., Mathur, R., Advani, S. G., Gillespie Jr., J. W. and Fink, B. K. (2000), A closed form solution for flow during the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process , ASME Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, 122(3), 463 75. 

Li, J., Zhang, C., Liang, R., Wang B. and Walsh, S. (2008), Modehng and analysis of thickness gradient and variation in vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process . Polymer Composites, 29(5), 473 82. 

Johnson, R. J. and Pitchumani, R. (2008), Active control of reactive resin flow in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process . Journal of Composite Materials, 48(12), 1205-1229. 

Hsiao, K.-T. and Gangireddy, S. (2008), Investigation on the spring-in phenomenon of carbon nanofiber-glass fiber/polyester composites manufactured with vacuum assisted resin transfer molding . Composites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing, 39(5), 834-842. 

Movva, S., Zhou, G., Guerra, D. and Lee, L. J. (2009), Effect of carbon nanofibers on mold filling in a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding system . Journal of Composite Materials, 43, 611-620. 

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