Electron beam curing technology for advanced composites has emerged as a credible and attractive alternative to thermal curing for most composite products. Technical advantages, e.g., for aerospace structures, include curing at room temperature, using low-cost tooling, and the ability to fabricate large integrated structures. Here, both theoretical and practical aspects of electron beam curing of composites are comprehensively covered, with the intention to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial applications. The reader is introduced to fundamental information regarding curing reactions, to material requirements and parameters affecting EB curing, and the analysis of current molding technologies combined with EB curing. A description of research projects and the main topics they address as well as examples of EB curing applications within the composite industry are also presented.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Altstädt is, since 2000, professor in the Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. He is also former CEO of Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH.

Introduction to electron beam curing of composites Aspects of electron beam curable materials Electron beam curing applied for composite moulding technologies Current limitations and potentials for electron beam curing Research projects in the field of electron beam curing Examples of electron beam curing applications Ground vehicles Aircraft industry Space applications Summary Appendix Key players in electron beam curing List of commercial available materials suitable for electron beam curing Leseprobe