Solvents in Composite Repair

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Questions and Answers

Why is compressed air not recommended for drying surfaces?

  • Because it is too slow a process
  • Because it may contain oil that can degrade the repair's durability (correct)
  • Because it is not effective in removing moisture
  • Because it can cause overheating of the surface

What is the main purpose of hand abrasion or grit blasting in surface preparation?

  • To remove moisture from the surface
  • To apply a subsequent treatment to the surface
  • To roughen the surface for the adhesive to 'key' into it
  • To generate a fresh, chemically active surface (correct)

What should be used to dry surfaces before bonding?

  • Compressed air
  • Hot air from a handheld hot air gun or an external hot air blower
  • A recirculating air oven
  • All of the above except compressed air (correct)

Why is it important to apply subsequent treatments soon after hand abrasion or grit blasting?

<p>To prevent unwanted contamination or oxide formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of inadequate drying of the surface before bonding?

<p>Micro-voiding in adhesive joints (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after water break testing?

<p>Heat the surface to a temperature specified in the repair procedure or SRM (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) in composite component repair?

<p>Removing dust, grease, and mould release agents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for solvents used in repair surface preparation?

<p>They must produce no residue on the surface (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should chlorinated solvents not be used on titanium alloys?

<p>They may cause stress corrosion cracking (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of wipe cloths should be used for wiping the surface with solvents?

<p>Clean, lint-free white facial tissues or approved aircraft wipes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why must wipe cloths be changed frequently during solvent degreasing?

<p>To prevent the transfer of contamination over the surface (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the solvent wiping process?

<p>Performing a final solvent wipe with a new cloth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a hot patch bonding machine?

<p>To perform two functions: applying atmospheric pressure and heat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a temperature recording unit in hot bonding units?

<p>To record the temperatures of the curing process (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to control the temperature during the curing process?

<p>To achieve effective bonding results (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a thermocouple in the curing process?

<p>To sense the temperature of the part (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the controller in hot patch bonding equipment?

<p>To control the temperature at a constant set point and specific rate of change (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to include permanent records of the cure cycle in the aircraft log book?

<p>To maintain a record of the repair (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of applying a special UV-blocking dark paint to a component?

<p>To reduce the degradation of resins by UV radiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of applying a white or light-coloured paint finish to fibreglass-reinforced plastics?

<p>To reduce temperature rise through heat soakage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for polyurethane paint to provide effective protection against erosion?

<p>A waterproof undercoat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of UV radiation on cured epoxy?

<p>It causes the resin matrix to become more brittle and prone to cracking (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to keep an aircraft out of the sun while it is on the ground?

<p>To reduce the effect of heat soakage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using an opaque paint with a UV barrier to protect composites?

<p>It protects against UV radiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the water break test?

<p>To evaluate the surface condition of prepared metals and composites (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the surface fails the water break test?

<p>Solvent degreasing must be repeated before continuing with the preparation process (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of inadequate drying prior to application of adhesives?

<p>Serious degradation of adhesive strength due to micro-void formation in the adhesive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the water break test performed?

<p>By spraying, pouring or squirting distilled water onto the surface (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be observed during the drying process after water break testing?

<p>Water breaks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is solvent degreasing repeated if contamination is detected on the final wipes?

<p>To ensure the surface is properly cleaned by solvent action (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Solvent Properties

  • Solvents used for repair surface preparation must meet specific requirements, including:
    • Readily dissolve surface contaminants
    • Have a rapid evaporation rate to prevent re-contamination
    • Produce no residue on the surface
    • Have no deleterious effect on the material being cleaned
    • Be of a guaranteed high grade of purity
  • Chlorinated solvents should not be used on titanium alloys to prevent stress corrosion cracking

Solvents Used

  • Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is used for removing dust, grease, and mould release agents from composite components
  • Acetone is used for general clean-up of tools and equipment and to clean composite parts after sanding as a pre-bond prep

Solvent Wipe Cloths

  • Only clean, lint-free white facial tissues or approved aircraft wipes should be used for wiping the surface with solvents
  • Wipe cloths must be changed frequently during solvent degreasing to prevent re-contamination
  • The frequency of changing cloths increases as the degreasing process progresses

Water Break Test

  • The water break test is used to evaluate the surface condition of prepared metals and composites
  • The test assesses the surface tension of water placed on the surface
  • The test is performed after solvent degreasing and prior to generating a fresh, chemically active surface
  • If the surface is properly clean, the water break test should pass; if not, solvent degreasing must be repeated

Drying Procedures

  • Drying is performed after water break testing and before application of adhesives
  • Inadequate drying can lead to serious degradation of adhesive strength and durability
  • Drying methods include:
    • Using hot air from a handheld hot air gun or an external hot air blower fitted with air filters
    • Placing the item in a recirculating air oven
  • Compressed air must not be used, as it can degrade the repair’s durability

Exposing Fresh Material

  • Following solvent degreasing, water break testing, and drying, surfaces are prepared for adhesive bonding by:
    • Hand abrasion or grit blasting to generate a fresh, chemically active surface
    • Applying subsequent treatment as soon as possible to prevent unwanted contamination or oxide formation
  • The procedure must be thorough, and the exposure time during this step is critical to the bonding process

Hot Patch Bonding Equipment

  • Hot patch bonding equipment applies atmospheric pressure and heat to the repair area
  • Heat blankets are used to control the temperature, and the rate of temperature rise and fall is critical
  • The controller allows for slow temperature rise, holds the temperature constant, and then allows a slow decline
  • Recording the temperatures of the curing process is essential, and permanent records must be kept in the aircraft log book

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