As I mentioned in my last blog, curing in the simplest case, happens under standard atmospheric conditions. However, one can accelerate the curing process by applying pressure. Vacuum bag autoclaving is one of the common processes for curing prepreg plies. Dry or wet layup typically precedes vacuum bag autoclaving.
Baking Composites: Layup and Curing
Variety of methods are employed to manufacture biomedical composite components. Most of the methods have been adapted from those available for manufacturing composites for non-biomedical applications (e.g., aerospace applications)., and tweaked as required to meet design, regulatory and manufacturing requirements unique to biomedical applications. Method selection for a particular component depends on the biomaterials, design requirement and application.
Plastic Processing and the Analogy of Butter and Bread
As you become familiar with implant or device manufacturing methods that involve polymers or composites where a polymer is a continuous matrix, you will come across the terms thermoset or thermoplastic curing.
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