Characterization of high-performance composites manufactured by using high-pressure RTM process variants

The current paper addresses new variants of the RTM process, namely high-pressure injection resin transfer molding (HP-IRTM) and high-pressure compression resin transfer molding (HP-CRTM) for the manufacturing of continuous-fiber-reinforced composites with high fiber volume content. Both these processes utilize high-pressure RTM equipment for the precise dosing and mixing of highly reactive epoxy resin and hardener with relatively high throughput rates. The objective of the proposed study was to investigate the effects of parameters such as mold gap and resin injection time on the quality of the respective process variants. The influence of these process variables on the quality of the laminates and the mechanical properties is analyzed. Finally the applicability of the HP-RTM process variants for the high volume manufacturing of composites is discussed