초록 ▼

A composite structure is prepared in a mold using an elastic diaphragm which allows the application of a uniformly distributed pressure during a curing cycle. The elastic diaphragm seals a resin impregnated lay-up throughout the curing cycle during which the lay-up is heated and compressed, and ensu

A composite structure is prepared in a mold using an elastic diaphragm which allows the application of a uniformly distributed pressure during a curing cycle. The elastic diaphragm seals a resin impregnated lay-up throughout the curing cycle during which the lay-up is heated and compressed, and ensures a constant resin-to-reinforcement ratio by preventing the escape of resin from the lay-up as the viscosity of the resin is lowered during the initial stages of the curing cycle. In instances where entrapped air or volatile removal from the lay-up is necessary, a separate step including the application of a vacuum and/or heat to the lay-up can be performed prior to the final curing cycle.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of making a composite structure comprising: applying a release material to a mold; placing on the mold a preimpregnated lay-up consisting essentially of uncured resin and reinforcing fiber which is to be formed into the composite structure without the loss of resin therefrom; covering the l

A method of making a composite structure comprising: applying a release material to a mold; placing on the mold a preimpregnated lay-up consisting essentially of uncured resin and reinforcing fiber which is to be formed into the composite structure without the loss of resin therefrom; covering the lay-up with a flexible, fluid impervious film in direct contact therewith and forming a continuous seal between the film and the mold which extends completely around the periphery of the lay-up, thereby completely sealing the lay-up and preventing the flow of uncured resin from the lay-up during the curing thereof; covering the impervious flexible film with a breather material which uniformly distributes externally applied pressure over the surface area of the impervious flexible film; enclosing the lay-up, the impervious flexible film in contact with the lay-up, and the covering breather material within a bag sealed to the mold by means of sealing strips extending generally about the periphery of the bag and placed directly between the bag and mold; venting the breather material to atmospheric pressure; and curing the resin in the lay-up to form the composite structure by heating the lay-up to a resin curing temperature while maintaining a uniformly distributed pressure on the surface of the bag enclosing the lay-up, the impervious film, and the breather material.