In the final thesis, we researched the process of vacuum infusion with the aim of determining the influence of process parameters on the quality of the manufactured panels. The main objective of the experiment was to determine a set of parameters to ensure the shortest production time, while at the same time ensuring high quality of the plates.
We changed the cross section of the delivery tube, the process temperature, and the shape and orientation of the infusion mesh. One-way fiberglass fabric and epoxy resin were used to make the composite. Mechanical properties were tested with a three-point flexural test. We measured the flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural elongation in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
The greatest influences on the speed of the infusion were the process temperature and the shape and size of the infusion mesh. We found that the best combination to achieve the shortest production time while minimizing the delay of the impregnation fronts is preheating the plates at 35°C and reducing the size of the infusion mesh on the suction side.
By flexural testing of specimens, we found that because of the reduction in thickness of the plates from the filling to the suction side, the modulus of elasticity and flexural strength are increased. In the area studied, the change in the process parameters also had a significant effect on the transverse strength of the plates but had no significant effect on the longitudinal strength.
|