NOVEL ALL-THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE (TPC) SANDWICH SYSTEMS FOR RAPID MOLDING

摘要

Reinforced all-thermoplastic sandwich systems constitute a specific class of composites consisting of stiff faces and a thick and light core either porous or non-porous. They allow for a fast one-step and free of adhesive molding of continuously manufactured intermediates into complex parts (e.g. body panels, structural parts). Different all-thermoplastic sandwich systems were analyzed with respect to efficient processing techniques, manufacturing costs and mechanical performance. Furthermore, economical and technological benefits were exhibited and potential fields of application were derived. A significant potential for low-cost tooling was identified using self-expandable knitted cores whereas the application of a flowable core provided complex and stiff structures.