Storage Life Studies on RT Cure Glass-Epoxy Pre-pregs

Studies were carried out on the storage life of Room Temperature (RT)-curable pre-pregs comprising of two varieties of bi-functional epoxy resins (imported resin system and an equivalent grade of indigenous resin system) as matrices and bi-directional glass fabric as reinforcement. The hand-made pre-pregs were stored at sub-ambient temperature (-18 degrees C). The resin flow of pre-preg was determined as a function of storage period. Composite laminates were vacuum molded using the pre-pregs taken out of the deep freezer. The composite specimens were characterized for their thermal (T-g) as well as mechanical properties. The properties obtained were compared with the properties of wet layed-up composites fabricated without the usage of pre-impregnated plies.