Out of the Autoclave Fabrication of LaRC TM PETI-9 Polyimide Laminates

The NASA Langley Research Center developed polyimide system, LaRCTM PETI-9, has successfully been processed into composites by high temperature vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (HT-VARTM). To extend the application of this high use temperature material to other out-of-autoclave (OOA) processing techniques, the fabrication of PETI9 laminates was evaluated using only a vacuum bag and oven cure. A LaRCTM PETI-9 polyimide solution in NMP was prepared and successfully utilized to fabricate unidirectional IM7 carbon fiber prepreg that was subsequently processed into composites with a vacuum bag and oven cure OOA process. Composite panels of good quality were successfully fabricated and mechanically tested. Processing characteristics, composite panel quality and mechanical properties are presented in this work. The resultant properties are compared to previously developed LaRC material systems processed by both autoclave and OOA techniques including the well characterized, autoclave processed LaRCTM PETI-5. Corresponding author: Roberto J. Cano, roberto.j.cano@nasa.gov, (757) 864-3951 * This paper is work of the U. S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the U.S. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20130013687 2018-05-22T16:49:29+00:00Z