EB Curing of VARTM Fabricated Maritime Composite Structures

DAMILIC and others have already demonstrated that EB cured composite structures have mechanical properties comparable to those of a standard thermally cured part. The objective of this Phase I program has is to demonstrate that standard, commercially available, resin transfer molding techniques can be combined with the high speed electron beam process to produce maritime structures and higher speeds and lower costs than conventional techniques. DAMILIC will leverage the knowledge gained during past research and development of electron beam curable resins, to formulate and/or select a resin stiffness and strengths applicable to maritime structures. Candidate electron beam curable resins, to formulate and/or select a resin stiffness and strengths applicable to maritime structures. Candidate electron beam curable resins to be tested may include cationically cured epoxy silanes, interpenetrating polymer networks composed of two or more resins, or an refinement of the aromatic urethane acrylate resin currently being used to fabricate the lower hull of the Army's composite armored vehicle. If appropriate, we will futher demonstrate that the electron beam cured part exhibits fewer voids, can achieve high fiber volume fractions, and excellent interfacial adhesion between a honeycomb core, the resin matrix, and a thermoplastic interleaf.