Very Rapid Cure Capable Resin and Optimization for Pre-Preg Process Development of Barrier or Isolation Ply Materials

Ultraviolet (UV) cure materials have been used extensively in automotive and industrial applications, for decades. Several high-performance UV-curable resins have shown promise for use in military aircraft applications as a composite layer to restore the galvanic barrier, and also as a machining layer to achieve impossible to net-mold composite dimensional tolerances. It is the goal of this program to evaluate a new UV curing resin technology. This program will determine baseline properties and allow optimization of the UV resin chemistry to achieve high glass transition (Tg) temperatures and a good balance of mechanical properties. The rapidly cured UV composite materials promise to result in significant savings in fabrication time, cost, and repair of aircraft such as the F35 Lightning JSF. The purpose of this SBIR is to combine the expertise of UV cure researchers with that of proven aerospace composite product development leaders – to demonstrate, manufacture, and commercialize a qualified UV-cure Epoxy-Fiberglass prepreg product for transition to this production platform.