Consolidation of U-Nyte® Epoxy-Coated Carbon-Fiber Composites via Temperature-Controlled Resistive Heating

Abstract

Temperature-controlled internal resistive heating creates on-command rigidizable materials for structural consolidation of ultra-lightweight, inflatable space structures. A PAN-based carbon fiber tow coated with a novel, low cure-temperature thermosetting resin (Hydrosize U-Nyte® Set 201 epoxy binder) was investigated for consolidation through internal resistive heating. Precise, proportional-integral (PI) temperature tracking was achieved for controlled sample heating and used to prescribe intelligently-designed curing profiles to cause resin consolidation and curing. Rigidized samples were evaluated by measuring the increase in bending stiffness as well as verifying resin cure completion through DSC. The permanent strength gained through active rigidization via internal resistive heating was demonstrated on a small, inflatable structure.