Abstract:

During the composite processes for the 3-D honeycomb structural textiles, problems such as the difficulties in forming the composite and hard to de-mould after the composite is cured. Therefore, the author was trying to improve the traditional hand lay-up process and vacuum assisted resin transfer (VARTM) process to open the 3D honeycomb structural composite successfully. By adapting the methods such as inserting various preforms in the cells of the honeycombs to consolidate the structure; or by adjusting the positions and number of the resin injections for the fabric to be immersed completely; or by replacing the metal preforms by wax preforms to open the fabric layers, then melting the wax afterwards to produce the 3D honeycomb structural composites. After all the above three trials, the author finds that if the hand lay-up technology is employed to make the composite sample, the quality of the product is hard to control and the thickness among various samples could be in the error of 60%, however, if the VARTM technology combined with wax is adopted to make the composite, a well presented 3D honeycomb structural composite can be obtained.

Key words: honeycomb structural fabric, hand lay-up technology, vacuum assisted resin transfer mold technology, 3-D fabric