Filament wound composite property optimization with Zoltek 48K carbon fiber

摘要

A study was performed whereby 146mm (5.75") diameter and 394mm (15.5") diameter tubes were filament wound on a commercial 4-axis winding machine with Zoltek 48K carbon fiber. Identical tubes were wound using a 12K aerospace grade carbon fiber for comparison. Wind angles for all tubes were 88°/±10°/88°/±10°/88° and a standard epoxy resin was used. Processing issues were observed and quantified, and the tubes were characterized for mechanical properties. Based upon the results, a series of modifications was made to the winding machine to allow it to better handle the larger 48K tow bundle. Identical tubes were then wound with the newly optimized machine. A dramatic improvement in shear properties, surface appearance, and fuzz reduction was observed, resulting in laminate quality equivalent to tubes made with the 12K aerospace fiber.