Abstract: In order to realize the application of domestic developed carbon fiber/epoxy resin fabric prepreg in radar antenna, the forming process and key process parameters optimization of sandwich plate autoclave with new-developed carbon fiber prepreg as skin were studied. On this basis, six kinds of composite sandwich panels were prepared with newly prepared carbon fiber prepreg as skin, bonded with J-95 or SY-24C Ⅱ film, filled with J-47D or SY-P6 foam or not filled with foam. Through the test and analysis of plane tensile and bending mechanical properties, the supporting materials of the prepreg used in sandwich plate were optimized. The results of the study showed that the two-step autoclave forming process was used to form the sandwich board without foam or the sandwich board filled with J-47D foam and the three-step autoclave forming process was used to form the sandwich board filled with SY-P6 foam. In addition, the key process parameters, such as the rate of heating or cooling, the pressure timing, and the measures to improve the quality of sandwich panel, such as tooling assistance, were determined. The mechanical properties of six kinds of sandwich panels were tested and analyzed. It was found that SY-24C Ⅱ film had a better match with skin, honeycomb and foam, and compared with the two types of foam, the mechanical properties of the sandwich board filled with SY-P6 foam are obviously better. Therefore, SY-24C Ⅱ film and SY-P6 foam are determined as supporting materials for the manufacture of radar antenna.

Key words: carbon fiber composites, sandwich panels, process optimization, supporting materials, mechanical properties