Development and Physical Characterization of a Composite Laminate Aramid/Epoxy Manufactured by the Vacuum Bag Method

The manufacturing process of composite materials is crucial in determining their final quality and mechanical and physical properties. Although manufacturing defects affecting mechanical properties cannot be entirely eliminated, some process parameters can be improved to reduce them, and solutions without increasing manufacturing costs are sought. Currently, research on aramid fibers and epoxy resin is booming; thus, this study aims to apply the vacuum bag process with epoxy matrix and aramid fiber reinforcement, focusing on the manufacturing process parameters. Herein, a procedure for the hand lay-up of aramid impregnated with resin and the vacuum bag method for a composite laminate is described. Some variations and improvements in the vacuum bag technique were applied, improving the breathable layers in the mold to enhance the extraction of gases and promote a homogenous pressure distribution. ASTM procedures were performed to obtain the density and constituent content of the composite material, resulting in a fiber volume fraction of 0.606, a resin volume fraction of 0.294, and a porosity volume fraction of 0.098.