Characterization of carbon/epoxy materials for structural repair of carbon/BMI structures

Characterization and compatibility of high-performance epoxy resins were investigated for on site repair of carbon/bismaleimide aircraft structures. First, processing of three bi-component resins was Studied. Then, physical and mechanical characterizations were carried out on carbon fabric/repair resin composite laminates (materials A, B and C) before and after ageing and results are presented. One composite (material A) was chosen, according to industrial specifications, the main criterion being the glass transition temperature. The compatibility of this material with the carbon/BMI structures to be repaired was checked with lap shear tests. Compatibility between the selected repair material and carbon/epoxy composites, whose repair procedure is already known, was conducted and considered as reference point. The obtained results allowed to validate material A for on site step Structural repair of the carbon/BMI structures Of our industrial partner (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.