Processing of polymer matrix composites

A method of forming a reduced volatiles prepreg layup, comprising:

• surrounding a plurality of shaped prepregs, reduced volatiles prepregs, prepreg layups, and reduced volatiles prepreg layups with an enclosure;
• introducing a flow of a non-condensing gas within the enclosure adjacent the plurality of shaped prepregs, reduced volatiles prepregs, prepreg layups, and reduced volatiles prepreg layups in the enclosure;
• applying at least one of pressure, vacuum or heat to the plurality of shaped prepregs, reduced volatiles prepregs, prepreg layups, and reduced volatiles prepreg layups to evolve one or more volatilized components from the at least one shaped prepreg;
• and
• removing at least a portion of the non-condensing gas from the enclosure;
• wherein the non-condensing gas transports the one or more volatilized components away from the plurality of shaped prepregs, reduced volatiles prepregs, prepreg layups, and reduced volatiles prepreg layups.

A method of fabricating a fiber-reinforced composite, comprising:

• surrounding at least one of a shaped prepreg and a reduced volatile prepreg layup prepreg layup with an enclosure;
• introducing a flow of a non-condensing gas adjacent the at least one shaped prepreg or prepreg layup in the enclosure;
• applying at least one of pressure, vacuum or heat to the at least one shaped prepreg or prepreg layup to evolve one or more volatilized components from the at least one shaped prepreg or prepreg layup;
• and
• removing at least a portion of the non-condensing gas from the enclosure;
• wherein the non-condensing gas transports the one or more volatilized components away from the at least one shaped prepreg or prepreg layup;
• consolidating the resulting at least one reduced volatile prepreg or reduced volatile prepreg layup into a fiber-reinforced composite having a selected shape.

A method of facilitating adhesive bonding of fiber-reinforced composite components, comprising:

• introducing an adhesive within an interface between two or more fiber-reinforced composite components;
• surrounding the two or more fiber-reinforced composite components with an enclosure;
• introducing a flow of a non-condensing gas within the enclosure,
• applying at least one of pressure, vacuum or heat to the adhesive within the interface between two or more fiber-reinforced composite components to evolve one or more volatilized components from the adhesive;
• removing at least a portion of the non-condensing gas from the enclosure;
• wherein the non-condensing gas transports one or more volatilized components evolved from the adhesive away from the adhesive.