Experiments were carried out on three different types of varying mass density E glass fiber layers with epoxy matrix for the composite laminates. First set of laminates were reinforced with layers of 200gsm (grams per square meter) woven glass fibers, second set with layers of 360gsm woven glass fibers and the third set with layers 200gsm sandwiched between 360 gsm woven glass fibers. The matrix used in this investigation is epoxy amine system processed by infrared and thermal curing methods. Infrared and thermal curing was accomplished by a custom made infrared and thermal processing chamber, mounted with infrared heater operating in the wavelength range of 3 to 8micrometers. Thermo mechanical properties of the infrared cured composite laminates in comparison with thermal cured laminates. The values thus obtained help the designers in understanding the reinforcement combination of glass fiber layers of varying gsm (thickness) in order to taylor make the properties according to the required thickness of the laminate or maintain the optimum thickness of the final product without compromising the mechanical properties. Finally the properties of Infrared cured composites are comparable or even better than the thermal cured composites. Infrared curing method has resulted in the curing time reduction by 40percent. The combination of varying 360 and 200 gsm woven glass fiber layers has resulted in values lying between those of 360 and 200 gsm laminates.

Key words: Polymer composites, woven glass fibers, Infrared (IR) curing, Thermal curing, Glass transition temperature(Tg), Mechanical properties.