EFFECT OF PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON COMPRESSION MOLDED PMR-15/C3K COMPOSITES

The consolidation and curing history during the processing of composite materials affects the final properties of a part in various inter-related ways. In order to improve the quality of composites, these process-property relations must be understood in detail. Using a computer-controlled compression molding and data acquisition system, the processing of PMR-15/C3k composites has been investigated. The process parameters considered were the pressure, the time at which it was applied and the crosslinking temperature. Parts were tested for inter-laminar shear strength and flexural modulus, and measurements were made for void content and thickness. Full compaction strength, optimum compaction strength and void sensitivity factor have been defined.