EMPIRICAL MODEL FOR CURING CONDITIONS SELECTION LEADING TO THE OPTIMUM PROPERTIES OF CFRP

Abstract

In this thesis, an attempt has been made to optimize the curing process of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates by selecting the optimum curing conditions that led to optimum properties of CFRP materials. The studied properties were mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. It was shown that curing at 180 oC or lower, applying furnace cooling, raising resin-to-hardener ratio, and avoiding wetting the bottom side have reduced data variability, lowered thickness, and residual stress. Also, it was shown that curing at 115 min/105 oC has improved overall mechanical properties while curing at 125 min/130 oC has improved overall thermal properties.