CFRP manufacturing method using electrodeposition resin molding for curvilinear fiber arrangements

Recently, theoretical and experimental methods were proposed for organizing carbon fibers in straight and curvilinear arrangements to obtain a uniform stress distribution in the design of three-dimensional (3D) carbon fiber reinforced thermosetting plastic (CFRP). In this study, to establish an efficient CFRP manufacturing method and realize the curvilinear arrangement of carbon fibers, we develop an electrodeposition resin molding technique. That is, immersing a noncrimp fabric in the electrodeposition solution and energizing electricity, the fabric is impregnated by the resin; thus, a CFRP with curvilinear carbon fibers can be efficiently produced without autoclaving and vacuum packing. We then confirm the optimal electrodeposition conditions for maximizing the tensile strength of the CFRP, and obtain the 3D shape of the CFRP by keeping the noncrimp fabric in solution along the mold.