SRTM成形におけるボイド流動挙動
Void Flow Behavior in Structural Resin Transfer Molding
池川直人・_田泰以・前川善一郎
Ikegawa, Naoto / Hamada, Hiroyuki / Maekawa, Zen-ichiro
The void flow behavior in structural resin transfer molding (SRTM) was investigated by examining the flow behavior of the resin. Short-shot molded composites at different flow rates were fabricated by varying the mold filling conditions, decompression, injection pressure and speed. The impregnated area and the void distribution on the surfaces of molded composites were measured using an image analyzer. Cross-sectional views of the impregnated and void regions were observed. The flow behavior of resin into a closed mold cavity filled with a dry fiber reinforcement which involves flow through the gaps around the fiber bundles (macro-flow) and penetration of resin into the fiber bundles (micro-flow) was associated with void flow behavior. Larger bubbles were associated with air expelled from the gaps between fiber bundles as macro-flow occurred. Micro-flow to force resin to penetrate fiber bundles drove out the smaller bubbles. A slower flow rate was effective in removing bubbles, particularly smaller bubbles.
Key words: Structural resin transfer molding (SRTM) / Void flow behavior / Flow rate / Macro-flow / Micro-flow