Cure monitoring of CFRP composites by dynamic mechanical analyser

The cure characteristics of carbon/MTM44-1 epoxy composite prepreg and neat MTM44-1 epoxy resin are monitored using a dynamic mechanical analyser (DMA). This study also assesses whether the simple containment device recommended by the DMA manufacturer for powder and gel is suitable for prepregs. The device is a disposable 0.1-mm thick stainless steel pocket. The cure behaviour of the packaged materials is compared with that of the unpackaged prepreg. All the samples are cured following the manufacturer's 180°C-isothermal schedule with heating rates of 2 °C/min and 5 °C/min. The tests highlight that: (i) the cure of composite prepregs and resin can be monitored using a DMA; (ii) the stainless steel pocket does not influence the cure of the prepreg and resin; and (iii) the softening and melting of the uncured resin, the resin low viscosity state and the subsequent gelation-vitrification-solidification of the resin are detected with this method.