Thermoplastic composites for light-weighting: Which polymers, which technologies?

摘要

The production of automotive thermoplastic composite structural parts mostly relies on the use of semi-finished composite products combining Continuous reinforcing fibers with thermoplastic matrices such as Polypropylene or Polyamides. Semi-finished products that combine the polymer matrix and continuous fibers can be pre-impregnated sheet laminates processed using thermo-stamping or unidirectional tapes processed by automated tape lay-up (ATL) technologies. Only in specifc cases, such as Arkema's acrylic based Elium resin, is it also possible to make parts by use of a resin transfer moulding (RTM) process well known today for thermoset composites. In all cases, the processing technologies must allow short part production cycle times compatible with the mass automotive market.