BALANCING INFUSION VISCOSITY AND FLAME RETARDANCE OF AN RTM BENZOXAZINE.

Benzoxazine resin has been studied extensively as a potential matrix for aircraft interior composites, due to its inherent flame retardance and relatively low cost, however its acceptance into the industry is currently hindered by poor processability at desirable temperatures. This research sought to develop a formulation capable of meeting both aircraft interior flammability requirements and viscosity requirements for resin transfer molding, while maintaining acceptable mechanical properties. Flammability properties were studied in accordance with FAR 25.853, while rheological and mechanical properties were studied using rotational rheometery and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. Furthermore, a model was developed for the prediction of resin viscosity as a function of temperature and formulation composition. Model accuracy was evaluated over a wide range of temperatures, and revealed good correlation at temperatures where resin was above its minimum viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]