Prepreg curing process for preparing composites having superior surface finish and high fiber consolidation

A process for curing a prepreg, comprising the steps of

• Providing a prepreg comprising a thermosetting resin composition and fiber;
• Placing the prepreg under reduced pressure;
• Exposing the prepreg under reduced pressure to a first elevated temperature for a time sufficient to remove substantially all volatile materials in the prepreg;
• Optionally, exposing the prepreg under reduced pressure to a second elevated temperature for a time sufficient to remove any remaining volatile materials in the prepreg;
• Exposing the prepreg under reduced pressure to a third elevated temperature for a time sufficient to cure the prepreg;
• and
• Exposing the cured prepreg under with or without reduced pressure to a fourth elevated temperature condition that is less than any one or more of the first, second or third elevated temperature conditions.