3.3 XRS analysis of the cure process to increase the energy efficiency and reduced defects in the manufacturing of cellulose-based composites (X-Cure)
Study the influence of cellulose and residual water on the curing of epoxy, and improving models - for reducing manufacturing defects and thus increasing the sustainability of the composites used in power distribution systems.
Project summary
Power distribution systems are under expansion and changes in the network are needed to support the distribution from sustainable energy sources and the move towards more electrically powered industries. This means higher demands on the manufacturing of key components in these systems. The bushings and transformers needed are made of cellulose
materials and epoxy. The manufacturing process currently takes days to achieve the required high quality in the composite. To reduce voids whilst moving to more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes, a greater understanding of the cure process in the complex cellulosebased epoxy composites is needed. In this ACC project, x-ray raman scattering (XRS) will be used to study the influence of cellulose and residual water on the curing of epoxy. With this knowledge, cure models can be made more accurately, and parameters adjusted to reduce defects in
manufacture, thus increasing the sustainability of the composites used in power distribution systems. It will also support the development of biobased composites used in other applications as well as build up the data and knowledge in the use of XRS for industrial applications.
Project partners
RISE (lead) and Hitachi Energy