NOVEL THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE, HIGH VOLUME APPLICATIONS

摘要

A novel thermoplastic composite tow, manufactured from a flattened tow of glass, carbon, or ceramic fiber with compatible sizing, has been demonstrated in production volumes. The tow, designated Fibrflex®, is made to a tailorable width that is very flexible and can be readily converted to a unidirectional tape, woven into a laminate form of various fabric constructions, and braided into a biaxial or triaxial construction. Matrix options are numerous, and range from HDPE to PA6 to PPS and PEEK. Cost of the new material is relatively inexpensive when compared to conventional thermoplastic composite tapes, as the production process is relatively simple and slitting is not required. Conversion into composite form has been demonstrated, and mechanical properties of the materials are available.rnThis paper aims to provide an overview of the tow construction and fabrication process into various preforms as well as a comparison of the material with similar tapes in the industry. Mechanical properties of the tapes in various constructions will be offered, as well as examples of molded constructions.