Resin Infusion Under Flexible Moulding Technique By  In–Mould Gel Coating Using A Flow Medium

Bharaneedharan Muralidharan; John Summerscales

Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2013

Resin Infusion Under Flexible Moulding Technique By In–Mould Gel Coating Using A Flow Medium

Bharaneedharan Muralidharan, John Summerscales

Abstract :

Fie–reinforced polymer matrix composites find use in most transport applications, chemical plant and a variety of other industries. Many of these applications require a separate surface finish for cosmetic and/ or durability reasons. This coating, known as the gel–coat, is normally applied onto the mould tool before the structural laminate is moulded against the coating. The majority of the volatile organic components (VOC) in the coating will react during the polymer curing process, but the application process is such that some VOC will be emitted into the workplace and the environment. This paper will describe the use of a novel concept on resin transfer moulding (British Patent GB 2 432 336A) in the context of Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling (RIFT) using a flow medium. The new in–mould gel–coating process has potential to improve workplace safety and reduce environmental impact during the manufacture of composite components.