TEXAS RESEARCH INSTITUTE , AUSTIN, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A17-005

Description

Current field level composite repair techniques for aircraft use thermally accelerated vacuum bagging and bonding to restore the original design strength of the composite laminate. The matrix resins used have limited shelf-life, and the multi-step process is labor-intensive. To overcome these challenges TRI/Austin will leverage recently developed laminating resins to develop new composite repair systems that will provide improved shelf stability with shorter processing turn-around times. TRI/Austin is developing a low-cost matrix resin that will provide elevated Tg, and high fiber strength translation. The matrix resin will be formulated to achieve a shelf stability of 3-5 years. The proposed resin technology provides rapid cures under ambient vacuum bagging conditions without heating. Cure times can be significantly reduced, increasing aircraft availability, and reducing repair cost. Resin rheology and cure kinetics will be determined, and carbon fiber laminates will be fabricated to confirm composite mechanical properties. Resin cost analysis and estimates for continued raw material availability will be established. TRI/Austin brings experience in the field of composite repair and resin development. The development team also includes two companies, one that specializes in composite repair technology, and the second is a leading manufacturer of vertical flight aircraft for commercial and military customers.