| Composite
Fabrication
CEAM has extensive capabilities in polymer composite fabrication.
Composite fabrication by prepreg layup, wet layup and vacuum impregnation
techniques are available, in addition to cryogenic facilities for
storage of prepreg and uncured resins. CEAM has developed facilities
for synthesizing engineering polymers for composite application.
Thermoset and thermoplastic resins are processed with a variety
of reinforcing fibers, including aramid, glass, carbon, and UHMWPE
fibers. Two hot presses are utilized for curing composite panels
at elevated temperature and pressure:
Polymer Synthesis
Facilities at CEAM have been created for the development and production
of polymers. Reaction, distillation, extraction and other processes
may be carried out within this facility for processing of organic
matrices. Multiple fume hoods are utilized for monomer and polymer
synthesis reactions with the necessary apparatus, such as a Buchner
Rotary Evaporator and a 60 gallon capacity flammable materials storage
cabinet. Molding apparatus and curing ovens are also used in the
processing of these polymers.
Braiding
CEAM has further facilities for braiding and weaving engineering
fibers. A 12-carrier tubular braiding machine provides flexibility
in braiding elements with variable pitch, diameter, and inner core
elements. These braided elements may be woven into composite fabric
with an 8-harness table loom.
Polymer and Composite Analysis
CEAM has many other facilities for testing composite materials.
Strain distributing capstan grips have been designed at CEAM for
testing the unique braided materials developed in our labs. Measurement
of the composite fiber volume fraction may be performed with a high
temperature muffle furnace to ignite matrix resin. Furthermore a
micro load frame has been
developed to measure individual fibers for strength and stiffness
as well as debonding from microdrops of matrix resin. CEAM also
has a series of microscopes
for inspection of composite samples.
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