LAMINATION FLOW MODELING USING A THERMOMECHANICAL ANALYZER.

A TMA approach has been developed for simultaneous estimation of the flow-related prepreg properties (viz, percent resin flow, resin content and gel time) and the resin flow field in the prepreg lay-up during lamination. Using this approach, both prepreg material screening and optimization of lamination conditions to maximize the resin flow (for void elimination and circuit encapsulation) can be performed.