COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND PROCESSES FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE

摘要

A method of making a mould for moulding polymeric composites is described wherein the process comprises embedding at least one layer of a fibre reinforced polymer and a plurality of heating elements within a spreadable ceramic material. A process for the manufacture of a composite article is also described. The process comprises the steps of (i) providing on a tool one or more layers of fibrous prepreg material in an amount sufficient to build up a desired lay-up of an article; (ii) applying heat and a vacuum to said material; and (iii) maintaining sufficient heat and vacuum in said tool for a period of time sufficient to form a composite article; characterized in that said lay-up is encapsulated in a sacrificial bag prior to step (ii). The use of sacrificial bags aids the preparation of the lay-ups during processing.