This edition of the Composites Research Journal features a series of research papers examining the thermoset curing mechanism from the perspective of initiator/promoter functionality. The fundamental polymerization process of unsaturated polyester resins is at the heart of today’s composites manufacturing processes. Controlling and optimizing the crosslinking reaction is a key element in the producibility of molded components and the mechanical properties of finished products.

Authors Bradshaw, Eriksson, and Balogh present a designed study examining the relationship between temperature and peroxide/inhibitor levels in the BMC molding process. The focus of this work is optimizing in-mold flow while achieving accelerated cycle time. The second half of the polymerization equation, the promoter system, is addressed in the work of Kuang and Richardson. This research involving a new tertiary amine promoter provides the potential for another resin system tool to further enhance the production process. In the third curing related paper, authors Ross, Peterson, and Lakatos address the effects of varying levels of initiator in polyester resin cast polymer curing. This practical research highlights the reality of widely varied production conditions and the effects of manipulating initiator levels to accommodate those environments.

A second theme for this edition highlights toughening composites. The work of Douglass and Nava provides a bridge between the thermoset curing theme and the properties of enhanced durability with toughened materials. Their investigation of fast reaction time urethane-acrylate resin systems examines both the properties and processing of these hybrid polymers. While composites possess many outstanding properties, as illustrated with their widespread acceptance as a structural material, the brittle failure mode is a property engineers continually have to address in product design. Seats, Fisher, and Twardowska introduce their work on durable, low mass SMC for transportation applications. The use of Class A SMC will expand as material toughness is enhanced. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge forwarding this concept.

In continuing the durability concept, Kutarba, Brown, and Hamilton deliver a study on toughening concrete beams with carbon fiber reinforced composites. This evaluation documents the post-rehabilitation performance of damaged concrete beams strengthened with CFRP wrap.

Adding to the thematic diversity of this quarter’s publication is the process research of Wolfe and Weiner that highlights the strengths of various knit fiber reinforcements used in the vacuum infusion process. A useful conclusion of this research shows that reinforcements not specifically designed for the vacuum infusion can be applicable in the overall performance regime. Anchoring the edition is Weber’s case study of the successful conversion of an automotive under-the-hood component from aluminum to composites. Where research studies are vitally important to establish the efficacy of technologies, ultimately case studies detailing the successful deployment of these technologies are the drivers behind adopting new ways of doing things.

Join us in this issue as we continue to explore and document advancements in composites research.


Volume 1, Issue 4 Fall 2007

A letter from the CRJ Editor, Bob R. Lacovara This edition of the Composites Research Journal features a series of research papers examining the thermoset curing mechanism from the perspective of initiator/promoter functionality. The fundamental polymerization process of unsaturated polyester resins is at the heart of today’s composites manufacturing processes. Controlling and optimizing the crosslinking reaction is a key element in the producibility of molded components and the mechanical properties of finished products. Authors Bradshaw, Eriksson, and Balogh present a designed study examining the relationship between temperature and peroxide/inhibitor levels in the BMC molding process. The focus of this work is optimizing in-mold flow while achieving accelerated cycle time. The second half of the polymerization equation, the promoter system, is addressed in the work of Kuang and Richardson. This research involving a new tertiary amine promoter provides the potential for another resin system tool to further enhance the production process. In the third curing related paper, authors Ross, Peterson, and Lakatos address the effects of varying levels of initiator in polyester resin cast polymer curing. This practical research highlights the reality of widely varied production conditions and the effects of manipulating initiator levels to accommodate those environments. A second theme for this edition highlights toughening composites. The work of Douglass and Nava provides a bridge between the thermoset curing theme and the properties of enhanced durability with toughened materials. Their investigation of fast reaction time urethane-acrylate resin systems examines both the properties and processing of these hybrid polymers. While composites possess many outstanding properties, as illustrated with their widespread acceptance as a structural material, the brittle failure mode is a property engineers continually have to address in product design. Seats, Fisher, and Twardowska introduce their work on durable, low mass SMC for transportation applications. The use of Class A SMC will expand as material toughness is enhanced. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge forwarding this concept. In continuing the durability concept, Kutarba, Brown, and Hamilton deliver a study on toughening concrete beams with carbon fiber reinforced composites. This evaluation documents the post-rehabilitation performance of damaged concrete beams strengthened with CFRP wrap. Adding to the thematic diversity of this quarter’s publication is the process research of Wolfe and Weiner that highlights the strengths of various knit fiber reinforcements used in the vacuum infusion process. A useful conclusion of this research shows that reinforcements not specifically designed for the vacuum infusion can be applicable in the overall performance regime. Anchoring the edition is Weber’s case study of the successful conversion of an automotive under-the-hood component from aluminum to composites. Where research studies are vitally important to establish the efficacy of technologies, ultimately case studies detailing the successful deployment of these technologies are the drivers behind adopting new ways of doing things. Join us in this issue as we continue to explore and document advancements in composites research.	CRJ Homepage Mission Statement Submission Guidelines CRJ Staff and Editorial Peer Review Board Renew Subscription Update Account ACMA Homepage
Table of Contents:
Design of Experiment Study on Cure Reactivities of a BMC Material Affected by Temperature, Levels of Peroxides and Inhibitors By Li G. Bradshaw, Logan T. Eriksson, and Steven W. Balogh, Mar-Bal, Inc. A New Amine Promoter for Low-temperature Cure of MEKP Initiated Unsaturated Polyester Resin Systems By Wenfeng Kuang and Ashley Richardson, Albemarle Corporation Effects of Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide on the Performance of Cast Polymers By Louis R. Ross, PhD., Jeff A. Petersen, and Carl W. Lakatos, Interplastic Corporation Property Retention Studies of Tough Hybrid Urethane Resin Systems By Nelson Douglass and Hildeberto Nava, Reichhold, Inc. Tough, Low Mass SMC Development for Transportation Applications By R.L. Seats, D.H. Fisher, and H. Twardowska, Ashland Inc. Repair of Corrosion Damaged Concrete Beams with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites By M.P. Kutarba, The Haskell Company J.R. Brown, Hope College H.R. Hamilton, University of Florida Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Laminates Fabricated Using Vacuum Infused Knitted Reinforcements By Art Wolfe, Engineered Polymer Products Michael Weiner, P.E., Goodrich, Aircraft Interior Products BMC - Taking Automotive Composites to a New Dimension By Brett W. Weber, Bulk Molding Compounds Inc.
ISSN 1935-3316