Study of the Curing Process of CFRP by Means of Electricity : Heating of the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) during the curing process by conducting electricity through the fibers (Baltic Yachts)

Abstract

This thesis is part of my double degree studies on Energy and Environmental Engineering by Novia University of Applied Sciences, from Vaasa, Finland, and Mechanical Engineering by the University of Lleida, from Lleida, Spain. This study was requested by the company Baltic Yachts in order to determine the possibility to increase the efficiency of the process of heating carbon fiber pieces. This process referred to as curing, is part of the treatment of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) structures to achieve the desired physical properties. CFRP is a composite material with superb properties. The manufacturing of CFRP has high needs of energy, and thus it becomes expensive. The company Baltic Yachts is a company in the sector of designing and building exclusive sailing yachts made of CFRP. This is cured and molded in the company with heat treatments up to 115°C. The objective of this project is to determine the suitability of heating the CFRP by means of conducting electricity through the carbon fibers. The report consists of a theoretical part, lying in a research of information, and a second part, lying in different experimental tests to study the behavior of carbon fiber while conducting electricity.