Optimizing the Cure Cycle of Aerospace‐Grade Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Epoxy Composites Through Comparative Analysis of Resin and Prepreg Cure Kinetics

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This study optimized the cure cycle of an aerospace‐grade CFRP composite by examining the cure kinetics of a DGEBA‐based epoxy resin and its twill weave carbon fiber prepreg. Cure kinetics, analyzed via HP‐DSC at 1, 3, 5.6, and 7 bar, showed that increased pressure significantly extended the resin's curing time but not the prepreg's. Model‐Free Kinetics analysis performed was accurate for the prepreg but not for the resin. Rheological analyses showed higher initial viscosity in the prepreg, while the resin displayed a sharper rise in complex viscosity during curing. Using prepreg kinetic data, two optimized cure cycles were developed for fabrication at 3 and 7 bars. Thermal and mechanical testing of composites confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed cycles. This study emphasizes prioritizing prepreg‐based cure kinetics over resin data to achieve optimal composite fabrication.