M. Kotani et al. /Composites Science and Technology 62(2002 )2179-2188 matrix. Continuous profiles were shown as a function of curing temperature in each pressure. The main feature to be noted is that the density of 1, 5, and 10 MPa represented a peak at the temperature at which the optimized relative density presented. It suggested that the porosity of a consolidated body was reduced by increasing matrix ratio. These features implied close relationship of apparent density with the physical char acteristics of a precursor. It is found that effective con- solidation for making a highly densified body with small nt of could be done for Fig. 8(aHd) exhibits SEM micrographs of the con solidated bodies produced in the conditions of (583, 1) (603,5), 0)and(643, 10), respectively. The micrographs (a),(b) and (c) correspond to micro- structures of highly consolidated bodies, as described in Fig. 5. Those are prospective candidates for high 7. apparent densities of as-consolidated bodies under various strength composites. In the conditions of (a) and(b), tions between curing temperature and pressure. fine and fair uniform fiber distribution was observed a (b) 之 100/Fm Fig. 8. SEM micrographs of as-consolidated bodies under the conditions of (a)(583, 1).(b)(603, 5),(c)(623, 10), and(d)(643, 10)matrix. Continuous profiles were shown as a function of curing temperature in each pressure. The main feature to be noted is that the density of 1, 5, and 10 MPa represented a peak at the temperature at which the optimized relative density presented. It suggested that the porosity of a consolidated body was reduced by increasing matrix ratio. These features implied close relationship of apparent density with the physical char￾acteristics of a precursor. It is found that effective con￾solidation for making a highly densified body with small amount of pores could be done for appropriately cured green body under well-balanced pressure. Fig. 8(a)–(d) exhibits SEM micrographs of the con￾solidated bodies produced in the conditions of (583, 1), (603, 5), (623, 10) and (643, 10), respectively. The micrographs (a), (b) and (c) correspond to micro￾structures of highly consolidated bodies, as described in Fig. 5. Those are prospective candidates for high￾strength composites. In the conditions of (a) and (b), fine and fair uniform fiber distribution was observed. Fig. 8. SEM micrographs of as-consolidated bodies under the conditions of (a) (583, 1), (b) (603, 5), (c) (623, 10), and (d) (643, 10). Fig. 7. Apparent densities of as-consolidated bodies under various conditions between curing temperature and pressure. 2184 M. Kotani et al. / Composites Science and Technology 62 (2002) 2179–2188