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How to Make a Composite—Wet Layup

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Design and Manufacture of Fibre-Reinforced Composites

Part of the book series: Advanced Structured Materials ((STRUCTMAT,volume 158))

Abstract

This chapter introduces the six basic steps needed to design and make a fibre-reinforced composite (FRC): (1) fibre and matrix selection; (2) mould preparation; (3) layup and consolidation; (4) curing (and post-curing); (5) demoulding; and (6) post-processing (finishing). These six steps are considered using a simple wet layup process for a flat unidirectional (UD) composite. The mechanical performance of the composite is estimated based on the rule of mixtures (RoM), inverse rule of mixtures (IRoM) and Kelly-Tyson (KT) models from Chap. 2. A description of the wet layup process is offered and discussed in the context of the options available to a composite fabricator. The chemical crosslinking processes for polyester, vinylester and epoxy are presented. Consideration is given to demoulding the FRC and to the post-processing options. The use of gelcoat, flow coat and paint are mentioned in the context of a broader discussion on surface finishing of FRC. The outcome of the chapter is a step-by-step design and manufacturing method that is easily replicated.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The term crosslinking should not be confused with polymerisation; the latter happens during manufacturing of a polymer from monomers, whilst the former occurs during the moulding (or curing) process when polymer chains join together [34].

  2. 2.

    The initiator is often referred to as the catalyst but, since its structure changes during the reaction, this is strictly not accurate; the accelerators are technically the catalysts in the current context [33]. The term catalyst is employed in this text as this is the name typically used in the composite industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus), Southport, QLD, Australia

    Wayne Hall & Zia Javanbakht

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  1. Wayne Hall
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  2. Zia Javanbakht
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Correspondence to Wayne Hall .

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Hall, W., Javanbakht, Z. (2021). How to Make a Composite—Wet Layup. In: Design and Manufacture of Fibre-Reinforced Composites. Advanced Structured Materials, vol 158. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78807-0_3

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