Liquid composite molding reproducibility in real-world production of fiber reinforced polymeric composites: a review of challenges and solutions

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Authors

External Organisational units

  • School of Mining Engineering and Metallurgy, National Technical University of Athens
  • Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Plymouth

Abstract

Liquid composite molding (LCM) suffers from multiple factors that contribute to pronounced uncertainty of process characteristics. This results in compromised reproducibility which is associated to high scrap or the unpredictable behavior of approved parts. However, LCM is still attractive for Fiber-reinforced polymeric composites (FRPC) production due to its economic advantage (i.e. in relation to Autoclave), the capability of some of its variants to produce high performance parts and its potential for process optimization. This review analyzes each uncertainty with respect to its origins and its impact in part or process, based on a combination of past literature and original numerical results. The possible methods to counteract uncertainties are critically discussed, with an eye on both the scientific and feasibility (technical/economical) aspects. The overall aim is to provide to future LCM implementations a roadmap of the most critical challenges and solutions regarding the establishment of a reproducible process.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-99
Number of pages15
JournalAdvanced Manufacturing: Polymer and Composites Science
Volume5.2019
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 1 Jul 2019