Overview Of:
Resins/Matrices
The polymer matrices most widely used for composites in commercial and
high-performance aerospace applications are thermoset resins, consisting of
polymer chains that are permanently cured into a crosslinked network when mixed
with a catalyst, exposed to heat, or both. Curing usually occurs under elevated
temperature and/or pressure conditions in an oven and/or vacuum bag or in an
autoclave. Alternative but less used curing technologies include electron beam,
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, X-ray and microwave processes. The other most
commonly used matrix type is thermoplastic (TP) resin, which is proving an
increasingly popular option for composites manufacturers. Thermoplastic linear
polymer chains are formed and can be reformed into shaped solids by melting or
softening and then cooling the material. Often sold in sheet or panel form,
thermoplastics can be processed by in-situ consolidation techniques, such as
simple press forming (see "Fabrication methods," in "Learn More," at right) to
make tough, near-net shape parts without the autoclave or vacuum-bag cure
required by thermosets. TP reformability offers the potential to correct
anomalies or repair in-service damage.
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