Overview
The main objective of WAVECOM project was the development of a technology suitable for carbon fibre reinforced composites manufacturing based on microwave curing of its raw materials, which includes the selection of the proper additives (dipole organic molecules or nanostructured magnetic materials) and the setup of the system at pilot plant level. A better understanding of potential distortions and residual stress effects of MW was obtained by using Fibre Bragg Grating technology. Tooling materials and their geometrical limitations were obtained as well. Finally, an assessment on the final properties of the composites and the benefits of this technology in economic and ecological terms were also carried out.
Funding
Results
Executive Summary:
Suitable for carbon fibre reinforced composites, manufacturing based on microwave curing of its raw materials, which has included the selection of the proper additives (dipole organic molecules or nanostructured magnetic materials) and the setup of the system at pilot plant level. A better understanding of potential distortions and residual stress effects of microwave has been obtained by using Fibre Bragg Grating technology. Tooling materials and their geometrical limitations have been obtained as well. Homogeneous temperature profile across the composite cross section and precise temperature control and no deformation have been the key issues for the development.
Further optimisation and development of process in terms of costs, flexibility and sustainability have been evaluated.
Finally, an assessment on the final properties of the composites and the benefits of this technology in economic and ecological terms has been also carried out. These developments have been carried out with a view to up scaling existing technology and developing new technology for industrial implementation.