A Novel Method for Curing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics by High-pressure Microwave

Traditional autoclave molding process is energy-consuming and time-consuming. To deal with this issue, a novel method for curing the high performance carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) by high-pressure microwave is presented. The high-pressure microwave curing equipment has been developed, which enables the microwave energy be imported into the autoclave under high pressure, and the temperature of the component could be real-time monitored and controlled. A series of tests have been carried out to study the curing effects of this equipment. The results show that, comparing with traditional autoclave curing, the high-pressure microwave curing save energy and time significantly. Furthermore, the properties of the CFRP irradiated by microwave under the high-pressure outweigh those cured by autoclave. Specifically, there are no obvious defects in the CFRP components cured by high-pressure microwave; the CFRP exhibits more ductile behavior which cured by high-pressure microwave. The mechanical properties of the specimens are enhanced. The failure of the CFRP mainly occur in the inner of the resin matrix, which indicate that the interfacial strength is stronger. In conclusion, it is promising to improve the interfacial properties and mechanical property of CFRP in an efficient and economical way by high-pressure microwave curing.