Inventors:
Richard T. Reavely - Madison CT
David J. Parker - Newtown CT
Robert V. Kromrey - Campbell CA
Assignee:
United Technologies Corporation - Hartford CT
International Classification:
B29C 4310
Abstract:
A solid flowable polymeric material useful as a pressurizing medium that is ultraviolet detectable and is particularly adapted for use in a molding process. The polymeric material comprises a substantially uniform mixture of a solid, flowable, particulate silicone having a nominal flow rate of at least 0. 6 gram per second through a 1. 1 cm diameter pipe 7. 6 cm long under applied pressure of 10. 34 MPa at room temperature and an ultraviolet detectable compound. The polymeric material is especially useful for molding composites. A composite is disposed with a pressure vessel which is substantially filled with the above mixture. The silicone is caused to produce a substantially uniform, predetermined medium pressure on the surface of said composite prepreg. The composite prepreg is cured to form a composite which is removed from the pressure vessel and exposed to ultraviolet light.