Autoclave molding of carbon fiber parts (CFRP)

Purpose: In the autoclave, the adhesive melts and starts the polymerization reaction, the vacuum bag removes air and excess resin, and the increase in pressure in the chamber presses all the tissues to the matrix.
Carbon fiber autoclave molding: Place the prepreg of carbon fiber prepreg on the mold and place it in a vacuum bag to generate a vacuum. The method of curing by generating a pressure gradient with respect to atmospheric pressure is called vacuum bag molding. Since the autoclave is usually used to generate excessive external pressure, this method is also called autoclave forming. It was originally used to bond aircraft components.
Prepregs are obtained by impregnating a fiber base (fabric, mesh, etc.) into a precatalyzed polymer system (binder). The most common technique for forming the final part using a prepreg with a thermosetting adhesive is a three-step process: spread the prepreg into a given shape; heat in a vacuum to the temperature at which the resin turns into a viscous flow state (for example, For epoxy adhesives at 120-180°C), the result is that the material is in the desired shape; further heating to the curing temperature of the adhesive.