In situ resin age assessment using dielectric analysis and resin cure map for efficient vacuum infusion

Abstract

The physical state of epoxy resin designed for vacuum infusion was assessed in situ by immersing a dielectric sensor into the resin pot. The measured ion viscosity of aged resin was directly converted to a degree-of-cure metric using a resin cure map constructed by correlating cure kinetics and dielectric analysis data. Next, an age-adjusted infusion process map was employed to define a nominal infusion window and to identify key process metrics. Finally, process simulations and flow contour maps were used to validate and refine the process map and to guide adjustment of infusion process parameters based on resin age and part size/geometry. The study describes a pathway to more efficient use of aged resin using in situ process diagnostics, cure map design, and process simulation. The methodology employed to evaluate resin age and to adjust process parameters accordingly can be extended to other composite manufacturing processes, including conventional prepreg processing.