In-Situ Composite Manufacture Using Electrostatic Powder Spray Processing and Filament Winding

摘要

Current research at Purdue University has focused on a continuous process for the impregnation and on-line consolidation of thermoplastic matrix composites. This process uses electrostatic powder spray equipment to impregnate a continuous fiber tow with thermoplastic resin. The resulting towpreg is then consolidated in-situ into a finished part by filament winding. There are numerous advantages to this type of combined manufacturing line, namely the elimination of intermediate prepreg material forms and the flexibility to vary fiber and resin types as well as resin content in-line.