Comparative Study On The Mechanical Properties Between Vacuum Infusion Process And Vacuum Bagging Process

Abstract

Vacuum infusion process is a widely used molding process for manufacturing large composite structures [1]. It involves a mold and a flexible membrane that seals the entire surface. Vacuum is used to compact the reinforcements and with atmospheric pressure will infuse low viscosity resin into the mold. The part is cured overnight under room temperature. The approach of this research is to fully understand how the process of vacuum infusion works and what are the materials and equipments involved in the process. It involves the study of vacuum infusion process for room temperature curing where a layup is produced using vacuum infusion and left to cure under standard atmospheric temperature. Also, an analysis of the mechanical strength of different fiber forms such as glass chopped strand mat (CSM) fibers and natural fibers was performed using vacuum infusion process and vacuum bagging process to determine which process produces a part with optimum strength. Once a satisfying result is produced, the next step is to develop a prototype by using vacuum infusion process to produced parts with optimum mechanical strength. Another approach to this research is to introduce vacuum infusion process as an extra-curricular topic in the subject of composite in order to expose the student of UniKL MIAT the uniqueness of vacuum infusion process.