Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.35, No.10, 837-851, 1995
Micro Scale Flow Behavior and Void Formation Mechanism During Impregnation Through a Unidirectional Stitched Fiberglass Mat
Liquid composite molding (LCM) processes such as resin transfer molding (RTM) and structural reaction injection molding (SRIM) have been perceived as high potential processes for the near-net-shape manufacturing of composite parts. This paper addresses two major issues in LCM technology : fiber wetting and void formation during mold filling. Flow visualization experiments were carried out to develop a better understanding of the flow induced voids. The formation and elimination of voids were studied using several liquids and a unidirectional stitched fiberglass mat. Void formation was correlated to capillary number and liquid-fiber-air contact angle.