Pre-impregnated natural fibre-thermoplastic composite tape manufacture using a novel process. (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McGregor, O.P.L.; Duhovic, M.; Somashekar, A.A.; Bhattacharyya, D.
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 101(2017)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 71
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: A. Natural fibres -- B. Physical properties -- C. Statistical methods -- Tape consolidation; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2017.05.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: Pre-impregnated flax and thermoplastic poly(amide) composite tapes have been produced using a novel process. The manufacturing method uses an impregnation unit with a siphon system to impregnate continuous flax yarns with the polymer in the form of a slurry. After water evaporation, the powder is sintered and the coated yarns are compressed by passing them through a pair of heated rollers. Using a parametric study of the process, tape quality has been assured using the key outcome criteria of tensile strength/stiffness, surface roughness, fibre weight fraction, width and thickness. The temperature of the air heater placed before the roller has the biggest influence on tape quality. A heating model was developed using finite element software LS-DYNA. The research novelty comes from producing composite tapes with good tensile properties and surface finish using aligned natural fibres; the feasibility of automated tape placement and winding has also been demonstrated.