Injection repair of carbon fiber/bismaleimide composite panels with bisphenol E cyanate ester resin

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Composites Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.05.024· OSTI ID:1164046

Thunga, Mahendra ^[1]; Bauer, Amy ^[2]; Obusek, Kristine ^[3]; Meilunas, Ray ^[4]; Akinc, Mufit ^[1]; Kessler, Michael R ^[1]

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1. Ames Laboratory
2. Iowa State University
3. Fleet Readiness Center East
4. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

Resin injection of bisphenol E cyanate ester, a low viscosity resin that cures into a high temperature thermoset polymer, is investigated as a reliable repair method to restore strength and stiffness in delaminated carbon fiber/bismaleimide composites used in aircraft panels. The influence of temperature on the viscosity of the uncured resin was measured to optimize the injection conditions for high resin infiltration into the delaminations. The repair efficiency of the resin was evaluated by varying the panel thickness and the method by which the delamination damage was created in the composite specimens. Ultrasonic scanning (C-scan), flash thermography images, and cross-section analysis of repaired panels revealed excellent resin infiltration into the damaged region. Evaluation of mechanical repair efficiency using both bending stiffness and in-plain compressive strength of the composite panels as the repair metrics showed values exceeding 100%.

• Research Organization: Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-07CH11358
• OSTI ID: 1164046
• Report Number(s): IS-J 8442
• Journal Information: Composites Science and Technology, Vol. 100; ISSN 0266-3538
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE