Patent ID: 9114576
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A process for forming a complex-shaped composite material using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) system, the process comprising: introducing a fabric into the VARTM system comprising a plurality of components, the plurality of components comprising at least two components selected from the group consisting of a mold, a peel ply, a resin flask, sealing tape, a flow media, tubing, and bagging material; heating a majority of the components of the VARTM system to an increased temperature using a heating source, wherein the heating source is not an autoclave or an oven; introducing a thermoset resin into the VARTM system; and infusing the thermoset resin into the fabric, wherein the increased temperature of the majority of the components of the VARTM system is maintained by the heating source throughout the infusing the thermoset resin into the fabric, wherein the process produces the complex-shaped composite material having a fiber volume fraction of at least 56%.