Mechanical properties and styrene emission levels of a UV-cured glass-fibre/vinylester composite

The mechanical performance of a UV-cured glass-fibre/vinylester composite was compared with conventional room temperature cured and thermally post-cured counterparts. The UV-cured composite was exposed to UV light for 10 min, whereas the room temperature and post-cured composites required several hours of processing. The fibre-dominated tensile and flexural properties were comparable for each composite. The resin-sensitive interlaminar shear strength was highest for the UV-cured and post-cured composites and, within scatter, the performance of the UV-cured composite was comparable to its post-cured counterpart. In addition, the UV-cured composite emitted approximately four times less styrene during lamination and cure in an open mould than the conventional room temperature cured composite. The results highlight the potential for UV-curing composites to provide excellent mechanical performance while reducing manufacturing times and improving the manufacturing environment.