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9 articles for “VARTM”
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Machine Learning Optimization for VARTM Carbon Polymer Laminates
Abstract: Vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding (VARTM) is a key low-cost, out-of-autoclave process for manufacturing large-scale carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates crucial to aerospace wings, wind-turbine blades, marine hulls, and automotive structures. Unpredictable resin flow often leads to voids, dry spots, and race-tracking defects, resulting in 27.9% scrap rates and lengthy, costly trial-and-error design cycles. Although surrogate models provide rapid impregnation predictions for simple flat-plate geometries, vision-based monitoring is limited to idealized …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 3, 2026 · pp. 229–245 Read article
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Development of Robot Arm Fingers with Polymer Soft Materials
Abstract: Lightweight soft material applications have attracted attention to Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) laminates because of their impressive mechanical characteristics. The impact response and stress-strain behavior of epoxy resin laminates armored with basalt fiber and banana fiber are investigated during this project using computational and experimental approaches. The hand lay-up method was employed to create laminates with a thickness of 3 mm, dimensions of 300x300 mm², and a layout of …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 432–439 Read article
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Tensile and Flexural Strength Quantification of Basalt-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Fabricated via Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding at Varied Fiber Volume Fractions Description
Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have been identified to possess excellent properties that render them very suitable in the aerospace, automotive, marine and renewable energy sectors. However, for the industrially scalable vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process, optimization of mechanical properties of basalt epoxy composites must be achieved systematically, which means that the effect of the fibre volume fraction(VF) on the mechanical properties of the composite needs to be quantified for different …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 4, 2026 Read article
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Exploring The Performance Dynamics of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Polymers: Mechanical and Viscoelastic Insights
Abstract: Basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites are gaining significant attention as sustainable alternatives to traditional reinforcement materials due to their superior mechanical performance, thermal stability, and eco-friendliness. This study examines the tensile, flexural, impact, and viscoelastic properties of BFRP composites fabricated via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) using varying fibre volume fractions (20%, 30%, and 40%) and fibre orientations (unidirectional and bidirectional). The results reveal that composites with 40% fibre …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 13, Issue 2, 2025 · pp. 12–22 Read article
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Next-Generation Lightweight Nanocomposite Structures for Electric Mobility
Abstract: The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) sector has intensified the demand for battery enclosures that are lightweight, mechanically strong, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable. This research focuses on the design and sustainable fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites for advanced EV battery housings. The proposed material system integrates carbon fiber, glass fiber, and graphene nanoplatelets within a bio-based epoxy matrix, resulting in improved mechanical strength, enhanced thermal stability, and superior …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 1147–1156 Read article
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Lightweight Composite Materials for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Public and Private Transport
Abstract: The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) industry has intensified the demand for battery enclosures that are lightweight, durable, thermally stable, and environmentally sustainable. This study investigates the design and sustainable fabrication of hybrid nanocomposites for advanced EV battery housings. The proposed composite system combines carbon fiber, glass fiber, and graphene nanoplatelets within a bio-based epoxy matrix, resulting in superior mechanical strength, enhanced thermal stability, and excellent flame retardancy.A …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 1, 2026 · pp. 470–481 Read article
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Design and Validation of an Artificial Intelligence-Driven Digital Twin for Real-Time Monitoring and Control in Polymer Composite Manufacturing
Abstract: Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) have become indispensable in high-performance sectors such as aerospace and automotive engineering, offering exceptional strength-to-weight ratios that outperform traditional metals in many demanding applications. However, the reliability of manufacturing PMCs via Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) is frequently undermined by stochastic process variabilities. Unpredictable fluctuations in thermal history, preform permeability, resin rheology, and ambient conditions often lead to some defects; namely voids, dry spots, and incomplete …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 224–233 Read article
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Damage Evolution and Delamination Resistance in Polymer Matrix Functionally Graded Laminates
Abstract: Functionally graded laminates (FGLs) in polymer-matrix systems represent a promising pathway to enhance damage tolerance and delay delamination in advanced structural composites. In this study, we explore the mechanisms of damage initiation, propagation, and delamination resistance in polymer matrix functionally graded laminates (PM-FGLs) through a combined experimental–computational approach. Laminates with linear, exponential, and bio-inspired gradation profiles were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) and additive manufacturing techniques. Comprehensive mechanical …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 2, 2026 · pp. 321–337 Read article
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Marine Algal Fiber Reinforced Bio-Composites with Embedded Humidity Sensors for Coastal Smart Infrastructure
Abstract: The development of sustainable structural materials with integrated sensing capabilities has emerged as an effective strategy for improving the durability and resilience of coastal infrastructure exposed to aggressive marine environments. In this study, a multifunctional marine algal fiber reinforced bio-composite incorporating an embedded flexible humidity sensor was developed for real-time structural health monitoring applications. Marine macroalgae (Ulva lactuca) fibers were chemically functionalized using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion …
Published in Journal of Polymer & Composites · Vol. 14, Issue 5, 2026 Read article