One component room temperature stable epoxy resin compositions for VARTM/RTM systems

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for forming a composite article in a resin transfer molding system. The process includes the steps of providing a fiber preform in a mold, injecting a matrix resin into the mold, allowing the matrix resin to impregnate the fiber preform, and heating the resin impregnated preform to at least about 200 DEG F. for sufficient time to produce at least a partially cured solid article. The matrix resin comprises 1) a liquid epoxy resin component selected from the group of a phenolic novolac epoxy resin,, a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin and mixtures thereof; 2) an epoxy diluent; and 3) at least one latent curing agent that cures only when subjected a temperature of at least about 200 DEG F. The partially cured solid article may be subjected to post-curing operations to produce a final composite article. The present invention also relates to a process for forming a composite article in a vacuum assisted resin transfer mold system.