Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

Prepreg failed to cure. Bizarre

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic19575.aspx

By cpkielycua - 10/18/2015 2:36:52 AM

I am using a layer of the surface carbon with 2 layers of 400 gsm prepreg. I used the same material from the same role successfully in the past at the same temperature and cure time. 150f and 200 f. I use an aluminum mold under constant vacuum. The only change in procedure has been time since last used (about 4 months). The carbon is probably 8 months old or so, and has been frozen when not used. The carbon failed to cure. It is quite bizarre. 
Any ideas would help. Typically when the shelf life is exceeded the carbon cures, this seemed to dot he opposite. There were no unusual signs prior to the baking. I have made numerous successful parts using this procedure, this is my first odd failure of this type. 
By cpkielycua - 10/24/2015 10:18:19 PM

So I figured out the problem.  I was using a different oven (much larger) the oven had two large fans meant to distribute the heat.  The fans were stuck due to ungreased bearings.  The part did not get to the usual cure temperature.  When I rebaked the part, I did not bake it long enough.  

I have since baked two parts with the same material and they came out just fine.  
Thanks for the help!