Electron-Beam (E-Beam) Processing as a Means of Achieving High Performance Composite Structures

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Abstract:

Electron-beam E-beam curing is among the key out-of-autoclave technologies being explored for future advanced composite and adhesive applications. E-beam irradiation curing is capable of rapid and through-thickness curing of composite samples up to 2-in thickness, eliminating the need for long cure cycles in the autoclave. However, current resin and adhesive chemistries are optimized for cure by thermal initiation, which involves slow ramps and long cure cycles, particularly for thermoset composites based on epoxides. Therefore, in order to provide improved performance in composite systems cured by E-beam irradiation, a program was undertaken to investigate performance and formulation effects in two E-beam curable systems. One system, a free-radical-cured acrylic system, introduces the concept of interpenetrating network structures as a means of meeting performance requirements in E-beam-processed composites. The second resin system incorporates cationic curing of epoxides induced through Lewis acid or cation generating initiators. Additionally, a new approach to toughened interpenetrating polymer networks IPNs based on simultaneous cure using both free-radical and cationic-cure mechanisms is proposed along with initial experimental characterizations. The results of formulation and processing modifications on key properties of adhesives, resins, and composites structures are demonstrated.

Author(s):
Sands, James M. ; Mcknight, Steven H. ; Fink, Bruce K. ; Yen, Anna ; Palmese, Giuseppe R.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD WEAPONS AND MATERIALS RESEARCH DIRECTORATE
Descriptive Note:
Final rept. Sep 1999-Oct 2000
Supplementary Note:
Prepared in collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corp., El Segundo, CA and Drexel University, Philadephia, PA.
Pagination:
0080

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
ARL-TR-2613
Monitor Series:
ARL/APG
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_6.1_Information Transport; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_1.2.7_Experimentation; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_6.3.3_Spectrum Management; JCA_8.2_Shape
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
Energy and Power Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*COMPOSITE STRUCTURES, *ELECTRON BEAMS, PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING), COMPOSITE MATERIALS, IRRADIATION, CURING, EPOXY COMPOUNDS, CURING AGENTS, PLASTICS, ADHESIVES, SHRINKAGE, RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING
Field(s)/Group(s):
Adhesives, Seals and Binders, Structural Engineering and Building Technology
Keyword(s):
IPN(INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS)
Report Date:
2001 Nov 01
Creation Date:
2002 Feb 27