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Processing and characterization of a polymer matrix composite using variable frequency microwave heating

Conference ·
OSTI ID:269946
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Lambda Technologies, Raleigh, NC (United States)
  2. EniChem America Inc., Monmouth Junction, NJ (United States); and others
Variable frequency microwave energy was successfully applied to uniformly heat thermoset polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials consisting of glass-reinforced isocyanate/epoxy mixtures as well as graphite fiber-reinforced epoxy. Results of a series of materials processed via variable frequency microwave energy are compared with computed results from numerical modeling techniques. A finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique provides 2-D models of the electric and thermal field distributions inside the microwave cavity as well as inside the processed materials. The materials` physical and chemical characteristics from the empirical trials are evaluated for both variable and fixed frequency irradiation.
OSTI ID:
269946
Report Number(s):
CONF-9505249--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English