Comparative Study of the VARTM, VAP and MTI Vacuum Infusion Processes

Abstract:

The vacuum infusion process is widely used for the manufacture of fiber reinforced polymer composites. Current research concentrates on the comparison of three alternative methods. The aim is to determine if the Membrane Tube Infusion (MTI) and the Vacuum Assisted Process (VAP) that both use membrane fabric are able to produce higher quality laminate compared to the more established Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM). The laminate quality was evaluated by the void content, fiber volume fraction and mechanical properties. In addition, the thickness was measured in different segments of the laminate in order to determine if the thickness changes along the laminate. The MTI and VAP process did not give a significant improvement of the measured properties, on the contrary, the VARTM outran the aforementioned in many aspects.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 674)
• Pages: 71-76
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.674.71
• Online since: January 2016
• Authors: Aare Aruniit*, Hendrik Herranen, Kristen Miller
• Keywords: CFRP, Fiber Reinforced Plastic, GFRP, MTI Hose, Polymer Composites, SCRIMP, Semi-Permeable Membrane Fabric, Vacuum Infusion Process, VAP, VARTM

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