Dear rp-ml:
Ran across an interesting article in the December 1998 issue of Advanced
Materials & Processes (published by ASM International) about a magnetic
field thermal cure being tested on epoxy properties. The article states
that experiments have been undertaken by the Air Force Research Laboratory
Materials Directorate, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio to determine if the
properties of conventional high temperature epoxy resins could be enhanced
by exposure to a magnetic field during thermal cure. Summarizing their
findings, small "economical" magnetic fields did not seem to cause any
property modifications but the more powerful and more expensive,
"uneconomical" magnetic fields did have an enhancing effect. These
"uneconomical" magnetic fields were generated by superconducting
electromagnets.
This got me thinking, what about a Rapid Prototype machine that would
selectively thermally cure an epoxy and also have a magnetic field induction
unit mounted on the moving thermal head that would enhance the mechanical
properties as the part is being built layer by layer.
By varying the strength of the magnetic field, perhaps the user could
control what properties were induced for each part. It probably would be
cost prohibitve now, but when we finally achieve room temperature
superconducting, it might be worthwhile.....
Or maybe a "magnetic" postcure for today's UV-curable epoxy resins?
Just some ideas....
Regards,
Glenn Whiteside
P.S.: If anybody is interested in more information on these magnetic field
experiments the article gave the following contact:
Roger Gerzeski
Air Force Materials Laboratory,
Materials Directorate,
Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433
tel: (937) 255-9058
e-mail: gerseski@ml.wpafb.af.mil
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Tue Jun 05 2001 - 22:47:35 EEST