Modeling of void formation and removal in liquid composite molding. Part I: Wettability analysis

Abstract

Abstract This two‐part paper focuses on the characterization and simulation of two important molding defects in liquid composite molding—poor wetting and void formation. Part I analyzes resin‐fiber wettability. This involved characterization of various liquids/resins and fiber filaments/fiber mats by using wicking test and capillary pressure measurement. Methodology to quantify capillary pressurewettability relationships was developed. It was found that the Leverett J function can correlate capillary pressure‐saturation relationships for fiber reinforcements with various porosities and fiber architecture.