Modeling of Void Formation Based on Non-isothermal Conditions in Liquid Composite Molding for Plain-weave Fabric

Abstract

The void defect is one common problem in liquid composite molding (LCM), which seriously affects the quality of the polymer composites. The prediction of void content has become a focus of research. However, the existing studies are based on isothermal conditions and the effect of non-isothermal conditions on void formation has been rarely studied yet. In this paper, based on the analysis of the micro-flow and meso-flow in the plain-weave fabric, a mathematical model to predict the void formation has been proposed. The change of resin viscosity, curing reaction, energy transfer and surface tension under non-isothermal conditions are fully considered, so the effect of non-isothermal conditions on void formation has been obtained. The void content has been measured experimentally. The results of the prediction model are in good agreement with the experimental results. This study can provide reference for the prediction of void content and distribution of composites in polymer industry.