Mechanical behavior of microwave processed polymer matrix composites: The effect of the temperature increase rate

Microwave processed glass reinforced epoxies or glass reinforced polyesters exhibit mechanical behaviors different from conventionally cured materials, relatively to tensile tests. The faster increases of temperature due to microwaves cause a competition between the matrix flow and the crosslinking reaction which can be estimated by porosity variations. Higher mechanical moduih are also obtained, because of both an effect on chemical kinetics and a more homogenous distribution of temperature in materials. Nevertheless, to provide such specific mechanical behaviors in microwave processed composite materials, a best control of the experimental pressure parameters is requested.