Method for consolidating a component prepreg, method for manufacturing a composite material, method for protecting a surface of a pre impregnated composite component, method for producing a hollow structure which includes a layer of film on an inner surface of the same. The component prepreg and hollow structure consolidated

摘要

A polyetheretherketone film is used in the consolidation of a prepreg so that the film becomes incorporated into the consolidated prepreg, defines an outer layer of the consolidated prepreg and therefore provides the consolidated prepreg with advantageous properties. In one embodiment, a film may be used as a bagging material. In this embodiment, prepreg is positioned in a mould to define a precursor of a composite material (20). A bagging film (22) is positioned next to the prepreg and a vacuum is applied via port (18) to evacuate the space between the prepreg and film (22) and induction heating is used to cause the resin in the prepreg to melt. In addition, the film (22) yields and draws and this stretched film will cover the prepreg and act as a bagging material. Another embodiment addresses the problem of insertion and/or removal of an inflatable bladder in the manufacture of hollow articles and utilises a gas filled thermoplastic bag.