Estudo do aquecimento infravermelho com resistências cerâmicas na cura de compósitos de fibra de vidro

Abstract

Wind energy can be classified as a promising source of renewable energy for countries that extensively use fossil fuels in their energy matrix, reducing environmental degradation. The wind blade, the element responsible for capturing the forces of the wind, is usually built using fiberglass through a complex production process, therefore, the use of new technologies in manufacturing procedures are essential to reduce the cycle, ensuring the quality of the manufactured item. In this context, the present work seeks to study the temperature rise in the HLU (Hand Lay-Up) procedure of fiberglass composites, using heating with infrared ceramic resistances to obtain a glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than 65°C. The results showed that with the use of this equipment, after 80 minutes of impregnation of the glass fibers with epoxy resin in the flat specimen, using a laminate surface temperature of approximately 95°C, it was possible to obtain a Tg higher than that specified with 60 minutes of warm-up. In the curved specimen, there was a large temperature variation in the upper region, making it impossible to use the heater device in curved shapes, such as wind blades. Finally, it can be concluded that the distance from the laminate to the device and the time to start heating after resin impregnation significantly influenced the results. Furthermore, the use of the equipment enables the optimization of results, since when compared to electric blankets, it presents a 75% reduction in the heating period.