Rheokinetic studies for in-situ monitoring of T-RTM process: Rheology coupled to dielectric analysis and FTIR spectroscopy.

The goal of this work is to develop study and characterize the structural evolution of thermoplastic matrix during the thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding process. To attain this objective, the reaction kinetic and its properties for forming process of PA-matrix were investigated as an alternative for the production of thermoset systems. Through this work, various formulations of PA with anionic polymerization from caprolactam were studied. Reaction kinetic were determined depending on processing parameters and chemistry. Besides, we present some promising routes to insitu monitor the process of thermoplastic composites with tailored mechanical and physical properties. The dielectric analysis technique and FTIR spectroscopy was coupled to rheology and used to monitor the reaction versus time, temperature and the type of catalyst. Indeed we characterize both the structure and chemorheological properties of PA formulations. Based on the obtained results, the TRTM cycle processing window for good impregnation of the fiber reinforcement were purposed as well the injection time, the reaction temperature and composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]