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

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.

© IKV

The project focuses on low-pressure processes, which are also used by many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Compared with high-pressure processes, they place fewer demands on tooling and may require less energy. By varying the catalyst system to control reaction kinetics, the project investigates whether cycle times can be shortened, flow lengths increased, curing made more uniform, surface properties made more consistent and the impregnation quality of continuous-fibre-reinforced components improved. It also examines which process- and component-related parameters can be optimised with this technology across different applications involving unreinforced and fibre-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

Projektpartner

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