Interphase formation of a resin transfer molded silica–phenolics composites subjected to dynamic impregnation process

In this study interphase formation of a resin transfer molded (RTMed) silica–phenolics composites subjected to dynamic impregnation process was investigated. The solvent effect on the interphase formation of silica fiber–phenolics composites was evaluated. UV–vis spectra, XPS and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques were used to characterize the competitive adsorption of the components of phenolics solution onto silica reinforcement surfaces. Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and void content of silica–phenolics composites were also measured. It has been found that phenolics forms distribution gradient over RTM mold with respect to isomeric composition under the effect of solvent, which result, to varying extent, in the inhomogeneity of void content and thus ILSS of a final product. For the first time, it has been shown that the RTM process of silica–phenolics composites is highly solvent-dependent. Our work gives an insight into the role of organic solvent in a RTM solution impregnation processing and provides useful information and trends relating microscopic to macroscopic behavior.