Caracterisation morphologique et rheologique du fini de surface de pieces fabriquees par RTM (French text)

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is a well established and flexible manufacturing technique capable of producing large composite parts at relatively low cost. The subject of this report is the optimization of surface finish by rheological and morphological characterization of composites manufactured by RTM process. The objectives are to optimize two process parameters, understand the formation of a low roughness surface and establish a link between surface roughness, rheology and morphology. The results showed that a percentage of 16% PVAc with a 13 degree Celsius thermal gradient were the optimal parameters to manufacture a RTM composite part with low surface roughness. The rheology studies showed that for a certain percentage of PVAc, the viscosity increases while the roughness decreases. This observation was made with an unsaturated polyester blend with 15% PVAc. The morphological study revealed the presence of a minor phase for the unsaturated polyester blend with more than 15% PVAc. The infrared spectrometry analysis identified the presence of only unsaturated polyester and the styrene on the low roughness surface. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...