| abstract |
An improved reusable vacuum bag for use in the manufacture of fiber-reinforced composite components, wherein a polyurea-based prepolymer mixture is applied to a prepared surface, such as the surface of an open mold, and allowed to rapidly polymerize under ambient conditions to form the reusable vacuum bag. The polyurea-based prepolymer is made by combining an isocyanate component with a resin blend component, and preferably mixed and dispensed using a spray device. The prepolymer mixture forms a coating that quickly polymerizes at ambient conditions into a flexible vacuum bag having a shape conforming to the receiving surface. The vacuum bag, once formed, may be used repeatedly to fabricate a plurality of composite parts. |