VarMischung - Increasing the production efficiency of (FRP) structural components through variable mixing ratios

News

07.04.2025 | Awards
The 29ᵗʰ national SAMPE Symposium highlighted composite technologies for a sustainable future

Around 80 experts from science and industry came together in the university’s main building to discuss current developments in the field of composite materials. The event was organized by RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with SAMPE

read more

More efficient production of FRP structural components thanks to variable mixing ratios

The ‘VarMischung’ research project aims to improve production efficiency when processing reactive plastics such as UP, VE, EP and PUR resins. By adjusting the mixing ratios, the aim is to significantly reduce the curing time and thus speed up the production of compact and fibre-reinforced moulded parts. This innovation promises optimised production processes for fibre-reinforced plastic components

The “VarMischung” research project aims to increase production efficiency in the discontinuous processing of reactive plastics such as unsaturated polyester resins (UP), vinyl ester resins (VE), epoxy resins (EP) and polyurethanes (PUR) into compact or fibre-reinforced moulded parts by reducing the curing time. This goal is achieved by varying the catalyst content during the dosing process (figure 1). In the project the filling process and the flow time-specific curing of the material are analysed experimentally and the effects on the properties of the moulded parts are investigated. In addition, simulation models are provided to describe the reaction behavior.

VarMischung Eng — By varying the catalyst content during the dosing process, a reduction of the curing time of reactive plastics is to be achieved

The focus of the project is on low-pressure processes (LP). Those are used by many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Besides, low-pressure processes are more environmentally friendly than high-pressure processes due to their low demands on mould technology and significantly lower energy requirements. By specifically varying the catalysis to control the reaction kinetics, the aim is to reduce cycle times, extend the maximum flow paths, achieve more uniform curing, produce more homogeneous surface properties or improve the impregnation quality of continuous fibre-reinforced components. The planned research project will investigate how process and component-relevant target variables can be optimised with the new technology for different applications of unreinforced and reinforced components.

Project data and funding

We would like to thank the BMWK for funding the project (funding code 051432) and the project partners for their cooperation.

Project duration: 03.2024 – 03.2026