Effect of Surface Film on Void Behavior in Composite Integrated Structure

In this study, void behavior of composite laminate by local internal pressure gradient due to structural geometry and surface film application condition was experimentally evaluated through fabrication of spar/skin integrated structure specimens. Viscosity comparison and thermal analysis for both carbon fiber prepreg and surface film were conducted and cure characteristic and rate difference were analyzed. 2 types of spar/skin integrated structural specimens were prepared based on different application condition of surface film. Subsequently, those specimens were evaluated through visual surface inspection, non-destructive and destructive inspection. In a specimen #1 with full application of surface film, low pressurized area of composite laminate created by pressure gradient of structural geometry had voids. It exhibited that voids could not be evacuated and were locked in cured laminate by the influence of pre-cured surface film with relatively faster cure rate. In a specimen #2 without surface film, it revealed that all internal voids disappeared in the cured laminate. Therefore, it is verified that surface film acts as barrier film preventing void movement and evacuation during autoclave cure.