Thermal conductivity of the material is most important for the manufacturing of composites being cured or consolidated through temperature. Carbon composites require low heating rate due to the low thermal conductivity of the material. In consequence, cost savings are possible by a time reduction of the heating process. Heating by micro waves avoid the problem of heat conduction by directly heating the material via its dielectric properties. The heating is realized volumetric and homogeneous in the entire structure.
Microwave processing opens new chances for an enhancement of existing manufacturing technologies of composites.
The research of the Institute has three focuses: 1. Preform technique for binder fixed woven fabrics2. Resin heating for injection techniques3. Processing