Nondestructive testing of defects in adhesive joints

Development of epoxy based material for rapid tooling applications
K.Elangovan*, B.Kothandaraman*, K.Kalaichelvan**, Iynesh kumar*
*Department of Rubber and Plastic Technology, MIT Campus, Anna University, Chennai. India
ABSTRACT
**Department of Production Engg., MIT Campus, Anna University, Chennai,
India
Email: elango_k2000@yahoo.co.in
Development of new materials and new material processing techniques favors modern
technological development. Among these composites occupy an important place in field of Aerospace,
Defense, Automobiles and Biomaterials. Epoxy resin composites are frequently applied in moulds
manufactured with rapid tooling technologies that are used for wax and polymer materials injection.
Various percentages of Aluminum and spheriglass filled epoxy resin was prepared. Triethylene tetramine
was used as room temperature curing agent. Amine containing polydimethylsiloxane was used as liquid
rubber modifier. The micro structural analysis was done to examine the distribution of fillers in the
matrix. The mechanical and thermal behavior of the materials was determined. Flexural, Tensile and
Compressive behavior were determined by using universal testing machine. Thermal fatigue test was also
done.
INTRODUCTION
Epoxy resin composites are frequently applied in moulds manufactured with rapid tooling
technologies that are used for wax and polymer materials injection. With the propose of enlarging the
application field of the polymer matrix systems, it is fundamental to select adequate dispersed phases and
analyze their influence on the composite properties in order to reinforce the polymer matrix and tailor the
properties according to the tools specifications.[1].Epoxy based sterolithography resins have been used
successfully as tools for injection molding, Molds made out of these resins fail at distinct times:during the
first injection of plastic; during the first part first ejection; during either injection or ejection,but after a
certain number of parts have been produced.[4]
The various works was carried in this field around the world. Tri-phase materials composed by an
epoxy resin, aluminum particle and milled fibers, were produced, with mechanical and thermal
performances better than single materials, increasing the competitiveness of the epoxy rapid tooling
process. The influence of the aluminum particles and carbon and glass fiber addition increases slightly the
impact resistance of the aluminum filled composites. [2].The effects of particle size and silane treatment
on the fracture toughness are experimentally evaluated for epoxy reinforced with nanometer and
micrometer sized rigid particles. The fracture toughness if epoxy increases with the addition of aluminum