Method for curing resin with ultrasound
A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.
1. A method for processing resin, comprising:
acoustically coupling resin to a source of ultrasonic energy;
disposing the resin in a gaseous coupling fluid; and
applying ultrasonic energy to the resin at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the gaseous coupling fluid includes ambient air.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said coupling further comprises coupling resin including a substrate to the source of ultrasonic energy, said applying further comprising applying the ultrasonic energy to form composite material from the resin.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising prior to said applying:
disposing the resin in a reaction vessel with a mold; and
drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel to urge the resin into the mold.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising facilitating curing of the resin.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said coupling further comprises coupling resin including a catalyst to the source of ultrasonic energy.
7. Apparatus for curing resin, comprising:
a vessel holding a gaseous coupling fluid at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure; and
a source of ultrasonic energy disposed in the gaseous coupling fluid to acoustically couple the resin with the source of ultrasonic energy.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a reaction vessel receiving resin therein and transmitting ultrasonic energy from the gaseous coupling fluid to the resin.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a mold positionable in the reaction vessel to urge the resin into the mold if the reaction vessel is subjected to a vacuum.
10. A method for processing resin, comprising:
acoustically coupling resin to a source of ultrasonic energy, wherein said coupling further comprises coupling resin including a substrate to the source of ultrasonic energy;
disposing the resin in a gaseous coupling fluid;
applying ultrasonic energy to the resin at ambient temperature and pressure, wherein said applying further includes applying the ultrasonic energy to form composite material from the resin; and
prior to said applying:
disposing the resin in a reaction vessel with a mold; and
drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel to urge the resin into the mold.