Realizing the curing of polymer composite materials by using electrical resistance heating: A review

Curing process is usually a key step in the molding process of polymer-matrix composites (PMCs). Traditional oven (autoclave) heating curing (OHC) methods have many challenges such as long curing cycles, high energy consumption and high costs. Electrical resistance heating curing (ERHC) method enables targeted heating of specific areas, which has the potential to achieve uniform curing and minimize the overall energy demand. Therefore, ERHC method has important application value for the preparation of low energy consumption and high- quality PMC. In this review, we first briefly introduce the heating mechanism of ERHC. Then, according to the different forms of electric heating elements used for ERHC, the ERHC method is divided into three types: fibers, fillers and membrane sheets. Subsequently, the preparation methods of three types electric heating elements are summarized. Finally, the advantages of ERHC are obtained through analysis and comparison.

Automated summary

This review highlights the important application value of electrical resistance heating curing (ERHC) method in the preparation of polymer-matrix composites (PMCs). The heating mechanism of ERHC is briefly introduced, and the ERHC method is classified into three types based on different forms of electric heating elements: fibers, fillers, and membrane sheets. The preparation methods for these three types of electric heating elements are summarized. The advantages of ERHC are obtained through analysis and comparison.