Experimental Analysis of Particle Filtration in Resin Transfer Molding of Preceramic Polymer Based Ceramic Composites

The study of particle filtration in resin transfer molding of liquid preceramic polymer (PCP) based ceramic composites with filler particles is the topic of our current research, in order to prevent particle filtering during impregnation and to achieve a uniform particle distribution within the composite. This study targets an experimental analysis of filtration that will be coupled to previously developed filtration models. For reliable filtration data, the properties of the particle-PCP suspension must be known (predictable) and the suspension quality reproducible. This paper presents the initial stage of the experimental work, which consists of standardization of particle-polymer suspension preparation and its characterization. A methodology for optimal (homogeneous suspension with low agglomeration) steric stabilization of polymer / SiC particle suspensions is presented. The results Blackglas™1 preceramic of the characterization of the suspensions through visual inspection (SEM) and rheological measurements are reported. With the achievement of well-dispersed, low viscosity suspensions with reproducible properties, our current work is in the adaptation of electrostatic spraying and laser particle counting technology for the detection of particle size distribution and concentration to be used in subsequent filtration experiments.