Abstract: Method embodiments for producing a fiber-reinforced epoxy composite comprise providing a mold defining a shape for a composite, applying a fiber reinforcement over the mold, covering the mold and fiber reinforcement thereon in a vacuum enclosure, performing a vacuum on the vacuum enclosure to produce a pressure gradient, insulating at least a portion of the vacuum enclosure with thermal insulation, infusing the fiber reinforcement with a reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent under vacuum conditions, wherein the reactive mixture of uncured epoxy resin and curing agent generates exothermic heat, and producing the fiber-reinforced epoxy composite having a glass transition temperature of at least about 100° C.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 3, 2013
Date of Patent:
June 21, 2016
Assignee:
Comerstone Research Group, Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas J. Barnell, Michael D. Rauscher, Rick D. Stienecker, David M. Nickerson, Tat H. Tong