Heat transfer studies for infrared radiation assisted curing in polymer composites

Abstract

Conventional materials are replaced by polymer composites in every field due to its wide applications and its ease to custom make the required properties for the purpose it is designated for. Structural applications require higher strength, and this is achieved only by better curing of polymer composites during its processing. Elevated temperature curing helps to improve cross linking of polymers. In this regard infrared radiation curing is one of the methods adopted in the recent days for elevated temperature curing of polymer composites. It is one of the efficient ways of curing polymer matrix composites. In this paper Infrared radiation heat transfer studies of polymer composite is reviewed and compared its efficiency with the hot air or conventional curing method. Further modelling is carried out to prove the efficacy of the same.