The need and importance Autoclave Composites
Carbon fiber consists of carbon atoms that are bound together to form long chains. Fiber is very stiff, strong, lightweight and is used in many processes to make excellent building materials.
Carbon fiber is commonly used to strengthen composite materials to produce something strong, yet lightweight. After being bonded with polymers or resins (such as epoxy) carbon fibers create composites that are then used in various consumer and technology-based industries. The properties of Carbon Fibre Sheets are influenced by carbon fiber reinforcement, polymer resin matrix which binds carbon fibers together, and any additives introduced to the resin.
Carbon fiber consists of parallel strands of carbon atoms which show very high strength in tension. On their own, they are not very useful – their thin and fragile nature makes them easily destroyed in any realistic application. However, when grouped and taped together using a binder, the fiber distributes the load smoothly and forms a very strong lightweight composite material. These carbon fiber composites come in the form of sheets, tubes, or special mold features and are used in industries such as aerospace and automotive where the ratio of strength to weight is king. Conventionally, thermoset resins are used as a binder.
Carbon Fiber Composites are very strong. It is typical in engineering to measure the benefits of a material in terms of the ratio of strength to weight and the ratio of stiffness to weight, especially in structural designs, where additional weight can be translated into increased life cycle costs or unsatisfactory performance. By its modulus of elasticity, the stiffness of a material is measured.
In composite technology, an autoclave is a pressure vessel used to process parts and materials that require exposure to increased pressure and temperature for curing. Pressure is needed to achieve sufficient levels of fiber content and to reduce residual porosity in composites. Parts that are processed in an autoclave are often vacuum-emptied to allow pressure to operate isostatically on the workpiece. In its simplest form, the workload is entirely contained in a loose bag made of strong plastic.
Autoclave Composites are the most common method used to cure thermoset prepregs. Healing of thermoset composites involves mechanical and chemical processes. Mechanically, the pressure is applied to remove trapped air and volatiles and to consolidate individual layers and fibers. Chemically, the cross-linking reaction must be started and carried out until finished to form a rigid matrix.
Autoclaves are designed to produce uniform pressure on the contours of even the most complex parts. But even more important is the even distribution of temperature in all parts. The properties of the final lamination depend not only on the attainment and maintenance of the preservation temperature but also on the entire thermal history.
Most operations for Autoclave Composites must be automated and performed by remote control. The control valve, autoclave stirring electric drive, ventilation system, and pump must have explosion-proof performance. Intermittent inspection, high maintenance culture, monitoring, and personnel experience are required.
The autoclave is controlled by controlling the desired temperature and pressure. The vacuum port also allows control of the vacuum pressure in each section. Autoclave curing is the method of choice for producing monolithic or sandwich composite parts of the highest quality and performance. Heat, pressure and vaccine conditions make the mold-free solid and null with a high strength/weight ratio.