Dasari, S. S., Wright, A. J. K., Carroll, J. M., Sarmah, A., Carey, D. G., Nagabandi, N., Tran, T. Q., & Green, M. J. (2024). Freeform additive manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced composites using dielectric barrier discharge-assisted Joule heating. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 179, 108047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2024.108047
Abstract:
We developed an out-of-oven additive manufacturing (AM) technique to rapidly print and cure thermosetting carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs) using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). Conventionally, CFRCs are produced by automated fiber placement machines (AFPs) that use molds and oven treatments to cure CFRCs in the desired shape. AM allows for on-the-fly printing and curing of CFRCs without the use of molds. AM techniques are limited to UV-curable, low viscosity, or rapid-curing resins. Here, we use DBD for in-situ heating and curing of continuous CFRCs using commercial thermosetting resins. As the partially cured composite is deposited, Joule-heating is induced via the DBD applicator, allowing the part to cure in the desired shape. DBD-manufactured composites show properties similar to conventionally manufactured (oven) composites. The method is capable of 2D and 3D multilayered structures, deposited automatically. This technology leverages AM techniques to enable printing of high-performance and lightweight materials in any desired shape.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the A*STAR Graduate Academy - A*STAR International Fellowship Program
Grant Reference no. : NA