The United States of America As Represented by the United States

Paul W Kidder

Robert M Baucom

Tan-Hung Hou

Darleen A Druyun

Rakasi M Reddy

A low pressure process was developed for preparing a well-consolidated polyimide composite laminate. Prepreg plies were formed from unidirectional fibers and a polyamic acid resin solution. Molding stops were placed at the sides of a matched metal die mold. The prepreg plies were cut shorter than the length of the mold in the in-plane lateral direction and were stacked between the molding stops to a height which was higher than the molding stops. The plies were then compressed to the height of the stops and heated to allow the volatiles to escape and to start the imidization reaction. After removing the stops from the mold, the heat was increased and 0-500 p.s.i. pressure was applied to complete the imidization reaction. The heat and pressure were further increased to form a consolidated polyimide composite laminate.

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East Falmouth, MA, United States of America

Paul W Kidder