| This thesis presents a systematic approach to determine optimum prepreg characteristics, utilizing Six Sigma Methodologies. The characteristics studied were levels of resin flow and volatile content, conducted on a Silicon Carbide and Phenolic resin prepreg, and are based on existing technology for composite panel fabrication. It was found that the variation of the resin content of the fabric was not a determining factor, given the practice of kitting the plies of prepreg to achieve a target weight. Increasing the flow and volatile content of the prepreg resulted in excessive bleed, which produced panels of inadequate thickness; however, prepreg of low flow and volatile content produced panels with poor adhesion and high void levels. The behavior of different flow and volatile conditions towards the same press conditions has been shown to be strongly dependent on the range of both characteristics. |
