Cure System Equipment Optimization for Rapid Cure Epoxy Coated Fiberglass

Military aerospace structures require that a fiberglass galvanic corrosion isolation layer be used between any graphite composite parts in contact with aluminum. Adding a layer of fiberglass prepreg onto the aluminum-mating side of the composite laminate is a simple way to meet this requirement. Rapid curing resins and prepreg initiated using UltraViolet (UV) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) energy are currently being developed by Renegade to eliminate expensive and time-consuming vacuum-bag cure. The goal of this program is to demonstrate and deliver a low-energy cure equipment system that can be used to quick-cure epoxy-fiberglass prepreg and to restore the galvanic barrier on military aircraft, while minimizing floor space and maximizing worker safety. This technology will be able to quickly apply a galvanic barrier layer to a wide variety of complex composite shapes and sizes without tailoring the cure parameters for each part. Interaction will be needed between the composite parts fabricator, formulated resin/prepreg supplier, and the UV/LED lamp system provider for the successful transition of low-energy cure into production. The lamp system must be designed to minimize the shadow areas and provide uniform and stable spectral output at energy wavelengths that are consistent with the requirements of the resin/prepreg.