A method for producing a fibre-reinforced product

Abstract

The present invention relates to a RTM method of producing a fibre-reinforced product which method comprises the steps of: a) placing at least one porous member (104) in a mould (103); b) placing one or more layer(s) of reinforcing fibres (102) in the mould; c) introducing resin for distribution through the porous member to the fibre layers, - and d) allowing the resin to cure and the distribution member to coalesce to form a continuous layer, as well as the produced fibre-reinforced composites. The invention furthermore relates to the use of a porous member of a material which is capable of coalescing to form a continuous layer in the finished fibre-reinforced product. The invention overcomes problems related to the use of conventional gelcoat materials and forms a surface layer of the final product having the same or similar characteristics as traditional gelcoat materials.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing fibre-reinforced products; to a porous member whose structure allows flow through and in the plane of the structure; to the use of such a porous member in the production of fibre-reinforced structures and to structures produced according to the method. Background technique [0002] Fiber-reinforced resin composite structures are used in the manufacture of various industries such as wind turbines, automobiles, trucking, aerospace, ships, railways, medical devices, containers, construction, anti-corrosion, electronics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as sports equipment, game vehicles, etc. components and finished products. [0003] Two molding processes can be used to construct fiber-reinforced structures, the open molding process or the closed molding process. The open molding process involves laying or placing dry or resin-impregnated fibers into an open mold of the desired shape. In the...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, when these gel layers coagulate, toxic fumes are formed, and the coagulation time also prolongs the molding process time

Another problem caused by traditional gel layers is the formation of air pockets, blisters or cavities in the layer which will weaken the finished product as these bubbles can cause the gel to crack in cold, frosty weather

[0009] Prior art methods of producing fiber-reinforced structures are labor-intensive, include multiple steps of adding and removing layers, and are costly since a portion of the layers can only be used during the production process and cannot be reused later need to be discarded

Furthermore, the quality of the resulting structures cannot be controlled during the production process, and possible defects such as uneven distribution of the resin may reveal themselves only after the molding process has ended

These defects would have to be repaired by hand after molding, which again prolongs production time and is very difficult and labor intensive

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