Quantitative control of RTM6 epoxy resin polymerisation by optical index determination

RTM6 epoxy resin curing is usually characterized by the polymerisation degree. We report in this paper on a refractive index measurement technique applied on an experimental mould to control, quantitatively and in situ, the industrial RTM process. For the first time, we determined simultaneously the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites science and technology 2007-12, Vol.67 (15), p.3196-3201
Main Authors: Aduriz, X.A., Lupi, C., Boyard, N., Bailleul, J.-L., Leduc, D., Sobotka, V., Lefèvre, N., Chapeleau, X., Boisrobert, C., Delaunay, D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Smart materials
Applied sciences
B. Curing
Chemical properties
Exact sciences and technology
Optical fibre sensor
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Properties and testing
Technology of polymers
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Summary:RTM6 epoxy resin curing is usually characterized by the polymerisation degree. We report in this paper on a refractive index measurement technique applied on an experimental mould to control, quantitatively and in situ, the industrial RTM process. For the first time, we determined simultaneously the thermo-optical coefficient, the refractive index evolution, the specific volume and the polymerisation degree of the resin. The calculation of a “polymerisation degree optical coefficient” led to a quantification of the RTM6 epoxy resin polymerisation process. This calibration coefficient is very useful to perform a real time industrial process control. Furthermore, the optoelectronic system is connected to a data processing unit and is easy to use in an industrial environment.
ISSN:0266-3538
1879-1050
DOI:10.1016/j.compscitech.2007.04.008