Cure monitoring is important for the quality control and improvement of mechanical properties of thermoset resin matrix composite materials. Dielectrometry is most promising technique from the techniques developed so far to monitor cure of thermoset resin matrix composite materials.
In this study, a new and simple cure monitoring technique which uses a simple electric circuit, two comparators and a digital oscilloscope was developed to monitor the dissipation factor of the composite materials. Using the developed apparatus, the size and shape effect of the electrode was experimentally investigated. Also the sensitivity of measuring of the dissipation factor of the parallel and the series type electrodes was experimentally investigated.
To match the measured dissipation factor and the viscosity of the epoxy resin of the composite material, an insitu viscosity measuring apparatus which uses a pin and a D.C. motor to drive the pin was developed.
It is proved that the developed apparatus could be used for the on-line monitor of the cure rate and resin viscosity of the composite which were essential parameters in the development of the smart autoclave manufacturing of composite materials.