A process for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite article, the composite article obtained and the use thereof

A process for preparing a fiber reinforced composite article comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a mold, comprising an upper die (11) and a lower die (12), the lower die (12) having a molding surface and vertically extending side walls (14), the upper die (11) having a complementary molding surface and vertically extending side walls (13) substantially aligned with the side walls of the lower die, so that the upper die vertically moves into the lower die to form a cavity (17) in a partially closed position and a completely closed position of the mold, wherein the cavity (17) in a partially closed position is sealed vacuum-tight by at least one seal (15) placed around the vertically extending walls of the upper die (11) or the lower die (12) and perpendicular to the direction of movement of the upper die (11), and wherein the at least one seal (15) also works as a resin retention seal which prevents the resin from leaking,
• b) performing one of b1) applying a thermosetting resin composition onto a fibre reinforcement, and placing the thus treated fibre reinforcement into the lower die (12) of the mold, or b2) placing a fibre reinforcement into the lower die (12) of the mold, and applying a thermosetting resin composition onto the fibre reinforcement,
• c) moving the upper die (11) into the lower die (12) and partially closing the mold,
• d) evacuating the mold in the partially closed position by means of a vacuum outlet to a pressure of from 0.1 to 100 mbar,
• e) completely closing the mold and exerting a hydraulic pressure of from 2 to 100 bar onto the resin treated fibre reinforcement to complete impregnation of the fibre reinforcement,
• f) curing the resin impregnated fibre reinforcement to form a cured fiber reinforced composite article, and
• g) demolding the cured fiber reinforced composite article.