Comparative study of microwave and thermal curing processes in terms of temperature characteristics and mechanical performance of carbon fibre composites

Abstract

In this work, carbon fibre composites were manufactured using vacuum-assisted resin infusion microwave curing and vacuum-assisted resin infusion thermal curing processes. The microwave curing as well as thermal curing heat generation mechanisms were studied along with the thickness of the carbon fibre composites. Microwave power levels of 180 W, 360 W, 540 W and 720 W and thermal power levels of 1000 W and 2000 W were used. The K-type thermocouples were placed between the layers of the carbon fibres to record temperature profile during the curing process. The role of power levels was studied on thermal gradient along with the thickness of composites, which influences the curing kinetics. The composites were evaluated for their degree of cure, density and void percentage. Mechanical performance of the composites was assessed in terms of uniaxial tensile test, three-point bend test and interlaminar shear strength test. It was observed that microwave-cured composites were manufactured with less time and energy compared to thermal curing. The mechanical performance of microwave-cured composites was also better than thermally cured composites.