Method of Manufacturing Structural, Optically Transparent Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (tGFRP) Using Infusion Techniques with Epoxy Resin Systems and E-Glass Fabrics
Author:
Heudorfer Klaus1ORCID, Bauer Johannes1, Caydamli Yavuz23ORCID, Gompf Bruno4, Take Jens1, Buchmeiser Michael R.23ORCID, Middendorf Peter1
Affiliation:
1. Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 31, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany 2. Institute of Polymer Chemistry (IPOC), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany 3. German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF), Körschtalstr 26, D-73770 Denkendorf, Germany 4. 1st Physics Institute, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Abstract
Recently, fiber-reinforced, epoxy-based, optically transparent composites were successfully produced using resin transfer molding (RTM) techniques. Generally, the production of structural, optically transparent composites is challenging since it requires the combination of a very smooth mold surface with a sufficient control of resin flow that leads to no visible voids. Furthermore, it requires a minimum deviation of the refractive indices (RIs) of the matrix polymer and the reinforcement fibers. Here, a new mold design is described and three plates of optically transparent glass fiber-reinforced polymers (tGFRP) with reproducible properties as well as high fiber volume fractions were produced using the RTM process and in situ polymerization of an epoxy resin system enclosing E-glass fiber textiles. Their mechanical (flexural), microstructural (fiber volume fraction, surface roughness, etc.), thermal (DSC, TGA, etc.), and optical (dispersion curves of glass fibers and polymer as well as transmission over visible spectra curves of the tGFRP at varying tempering states) properties were evaluated. The research showed improved surface quality and good transmission data for samples manufactured by a new Optical-RTM setup compared to a standard RTM mold. The maximum transmission was reported to be ≈74%. In addition, no detectable voids were found in these samples. Furthermore, a flexural modulus of 23.49 ± 0.64 GPa was achieved for the Optical-RTM samples having a fiber volume fraction of ≈42%.
Funder
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz
Subject
Polymers and Plastics,General Chemistry
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