Tool Preparation in Autoclave Manufacturing of Thermoset Matrix Composites and its Relevance to Adhesion

Abstract

The choice of a manufacturing process is of primary importance to control composite materials properties and optimize their performance. Moreover, various parameters of a given implementation may also modify these properties in a significant way. Hence, this paper aims to underline the role of tool preparations in an autoclave process of composite manufacturing and their different links with adhesion performance. To this purpose, the influence of surface characteristics is discussed in terms of wettability, roughness, and by microscopy and chemical analysis. A link between the surface properties and adhesion performance has been assessed via single lap shear tests. Results clearly demonstrate the major influence of surface contamination and roughness but also the role of fibre reinforcement on adhesion properties.

Keywords:

• Adhesion
• Autoclave process
• Destructive tests
• Surface analysis
• Surface properties

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was supported by Aircelle Le Havre (SAFRAN Group, France), region Haute-Normandie (France) and the Fond Européen de Développement Régional (FEDER). The authors are grateful to Aircelle Le Havre for supplying samples and particularly to Dr. Frederic Joubert for helpful discussions. Further thanks go to Pr. Jean Louis Izbicki and Dr. Bruno Morvan of L.A.U.E (Le Havre University, France) for the use of the laser interferometer. Finally we appreciated the help of members of Plate Forme Technologique (Le Havre University) for the use of the mechanical testing machine. The authors dedicate the present article to the memory of deceased Prof. TK Wang.