Tricot stitched carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite laminates manufactured by resin transfer molding process: C-scan and flexural analysis

Author(s)

Shiino, Marcos Yutaka ^[1] ; Hilario Cioffi, Maria Odila ^[1] ; Jacobus Voorwald, Herman Cornelis ^[1] ; Ortiz, Edmundo Cabral ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Guaratingueta Fac Engn, Mat & Technol Dept, Fatigue & Aeronaut Mat Res Grp, BR-12516410 Guaratingueta, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Tecnol Aeronaut, DCTA, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS; v. 47, n. 14, p. 1695-1703, JUN 2013.
• Web of Science Citations: 6

Abstract

NC2 (R) tricot stitched carbon preform has been tested to evaluate its potential application in aircraft structures. It is one in a range of stitched fabric group, specially developed by Hexcel Composites, designed to be processed with a RTM6 monocomponent resin. This article aims to evaluate the tricot stitched fabric behavior towards resin flow front in resin transfer molding process, its mechanical performance in bending test, and its structure during C-scan non-destructive inspection. Flexural performance of the laminates and the scatter of the results corresponded well with C-scan ultrasonic maps, where resin pockets near the stitches were distinguished. The fracture area visualization, via photography and scanning electron microscopy techniques, aided to find a few flaws between the stitch yarns, which conducted to a larger scatter of the flexural rupture strength results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/02121-6 - Composite processing by RTM
• Grantee: Maria Odila Hilário Cioffi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/01937-0 - Crack growth rate in 5HS carbon/epoxy composites manufactured by RTM: Relationship between axial loadings with pure modes of delamination I and II
• Grantee: Marcos Yutaka Shiino
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate