Optimizing the photofabrication efficiency of composites: Selection of Photoinitiator and lamp combination

The growing need for high speed fabrication, increasing quality requirements, combined with reduced styrene emissionNOC levels in fiber reinforced composites and gel coats is being met with new light cure technologies. Critical to the success of light curing of composites is understanding' how lamps, photoinitiators and the fiber reinforced resin system are to be combined for maximum efficiency. In this work we present an assessment of several photoinitiator systems, and how the process can be tailored using different types of lamps. Approaches to maximize the cure efficiencies will be described.