In this study, the low velocity impact behavior of three layer thermoplastic laminates consisting of woven glass fiber and polypropylene has been investigated. Panels with dimensions of 100 x 100 mm were subjected to impact energies between 4 and 16 Joules using an instrumented dropping weight impact tower. Results suggested that the woven thermoplastic composites exhibit good energy absorbing properties with approximately 73 % of the impact energy being absorbed after a 16 Joule impact. The impact damaged plates were cut into 100 x 20 mm coupons and tested under four point bending (4PB). The result showed a reduction in flexural strength of approximately 27 % after a 16 Joule impact. Following this a simple compression molding damage repair process was applied to the low velocity impact damaged laminates. Repaired samples were tested under 4PB and results showed a significant recovery of flexural strength to approximately 98 % of the undamaged strength. These results suggest that a simple one step process could be used to successfully repair impact damaged thermoplastic composites.
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