Storage Life Studies on RT Cure Glass–Epoxy Pre-pregs

ABSTRACT: Studies were carried out on the storage life of Room Temperature (RT)-curable pre-pregs comprising of two varieties of bi-functional epoxy resins (imported resin system and an equivalent grade of indigenous resin system) as matrices and bi-directional glass fabric as reinforcement. The hand-made pre-pregs were stored at sub-ambient temperature (188C). The resin flow of pre-preg was determined as a function of storage period. Composite laminates were vacuum molded using the pre-pregs taken out of the deep freezer. The composite specimens were characterized for their thermal (Tg) as well as mechanical properties. The properties obtained were compared with the properties of wet layed-up composites fabricated without the usage of pre-impregnated plies. KEY WORDS: glass-epoxy composite, pre-pregs, storage period, glass transition temperature