| abstract |
Embodiments of the invention are directed to modified resin systems for use in liquid resin infusion (LRI) processes, variations of LRI processes and other suitable processes. In one embodiment, the modified resin system includes a novel combination of at least one base resin, an amount of particles within a predetermined range and an amount of thermoplastic material within a predetermined range wherein, when combined, the modified resin system has an average viscosity below a threshold average viscosity at a specific temperature and a high level of toughness. The modified resin system may additionally include a curing agent and other suitable components. The modified resin system has been experimentally shown to exhibit a unique, controllable and constant morphology which may be at least partially responsible for imparting a required toughness and damage resistance to a finished composite without adversely impacting properties such as viscosity, potlife, cure temperature, glass transition temperature or tensile modulus of the modified resin system. |