Development of novel system technology for microwave processing of CFRP

Summary form only given. In a general sense, microwave heating at 2.45 GHz and 915 MHz ISM (Industrial, Medical, Scientific) frequencies has been established as an important industrial technology for more than 50 years. Successful application of microwaves in industries has been reported e.g. by food processing systems, domestic ovens, rubber industry, vacuum drying etc. Due to a strong decreasing price of carbon fibers, another application field of new laminated materials can be recognized. Additionally, in the last few decades considerable progress in advanced composite technology has been made. However, the full potential in the design, the manufacturing process and the application of these materials has not been realized. A specific bottleneck for wide spread application is the price/kg in comparison to aluminum, which is not yet competitive due to high fabrication costs (material costs just about 30% of the actual end price). The highest potential on cost reduction is carried by the manufacturing process which implies substantial long time and high energy consumption, as well as a low degree of automation. The most commonly used processing method of composite materials is the simultaneous application of heat and pressure in autoclave systems. Investigations on processing high electric conducting organic materials like reinforced carbon fiber structures with higher frequency microwaves at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe showed a set of specific advantages solving problems in the manufacturing of these industrial high quality materials. The performed experimental work shows that the development of a specific high frequency processing technology is promising for this application. A novel microwave processing system is under current development.