Experimental Investigation of Particle-Filler Distribution in Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Composites Produced via Liquid Molding

This paper presents the preliminary results of an experimental study undertaken to investigate the particle distribution in particle-filled, continuous fiber-reinforced composites produced via two liquid molding methods: Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) and Compression Resin Transfer Molding (CRTM). Composite specimens are produced and characterized to compare composite microstructures (particle filler distributions) obtained in each method, as well as to study the effect of a processing parameter (injection speed) in RTM. For 20 % by vol particle concentration in injected resin and fiber volume fractions around 20 %, RTM process is found to yield little variation in particle distribution, resulting in nearly homogenous composite parts. CRTM process yields a clear non-homogeneity of particle volume fraction distribution in the composite, indicating presence of particle filtration. Due to experimental difficulties, the effect of injection speed on particle distribution for RTM process could not be assessed. Further experimental work is planned to assess repeatability of production. The experimental analysis will be expanded to study the effect of various processing parameters on the resulting particle distribution for the two liquid molding methods.