In-situ desizing for liquid infusion processes

a liquid infusion process and desizing technology, applied in the field of desizing in situ for liquid infusion processes, can solve the problems of weakened fiber/matrix interface, high cost of polyimide-based sizing, and inability to readily obtain

Pending Publication Date: 2021-12-02
RTX CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This approach reduces processing costs, improves component quality by avoiding sizing degradation, and enables the use of more readily available and cost-effective materials, while maintaining the integrity of the fibers and ensuring efficient infusion and curing.

Problems solved by technology

Sizings that degrade during processing or application can have detrimental effects on composite quality including porosity formation, delamination, and weakened fiber / matrix interfaces.
High temperature organic matrix composites (OMC), such as polyimide-matrix composites for example, present unique challenges for fiber sizings due to both their high processing temperatures and high application temperatures.
Polyimide-based sizings are expensive and are typically not readily available due to their low demand and volumes.

Method used

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  • In-situ desizing for liquid infusion processes

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0029]FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a molding apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 comprises an apparatus for liquid molding processes such as RTM (Resin Transfer Molding). VaRTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding) or RFI (Resin Film Infusion) are other examples of liquid infusion processes with applicability to this invention These processes involve the infusion of a liquid resin through a “dry” fiber preform. The dry fiber preform is comprised of a plurality of fibers that are woven, braided, or joined together using any of the industry established textile joining techniques to form a desired shape. The infusion of liquid can be accomplished via positive pressure, vacuum pressure, or both.

[0030]As shown in FIG. 1, the molding apparatus 20 includes a mold 22 having at least an upper mold 24 and a lower mold 26 that cooperate to define an internal cavity 28. When closed. A press 30 can be used to apply pressure to the mold 22, alternatively the mold can be closed via any mechanica...

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Abstract

A method of molding a component includes the steps of providing a plurality of fibers, applying the fibers with a low temperature sizing to form a plurality of sized fibers, forming a preform from the plurality of sized fibers, placing the preform in a mold, and de-sizing the preform by heating the mold to an initial temperature that is sufficient to break down the low temperature sizing to a gaseous phase. A molding apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 027800 filed on Apr. 7, 2016, which is a U.S. National Stage of International Application No. PCT / US14 / 61324, filed Oct. 20, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 900,430, filed Nov. 6, 2013.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Liquid molding processes such as RTM (Resin Transfer Molding), VaRTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding), or RFI (Resin Film Infusion) involve the infusion of a liquid resin through a “dry” fiber preform. The dry fiber preform is comprised of a plurality of fibers that are woven together to form a desired shape. The infusion of liquid resin can be accomplished via positive pressure, vacuum pressure, or both.[0003]Sizings are typically applied to fibers to reduce fiber damage during weaving operations. Sizings improve the abrasion resistance of fibers and decrease their tendency to “fuzz” during weaving. There are many diff...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B29C70/48B29B13/02B29B13/00B29C33/10
CPCB29C70/48B29B13/023B29B13/00B29K2079/08B29B2013/005B29B2013/002B29C33/10B29L2009/00
InventorRIEHL, JOHN D.WATSON, CHARLES R.
OwnerRTX CORP