Experimental study of defect formation during processing of randomly-oriented strand carbon/PEEK composites. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Landry, Benoit; Hubert, Pascal
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 77(2015)
• Page Start: 301
• Page End: 309
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: A. Discontinuous reinforcement -- E. Compression moulding -- B. Porosity -- D. Mechanical testing; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Manufacturing processes -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Manufacturing processes; Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.05.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-835X

Abstract

Abstract: An investigation of the moulding defects formed during compression moulding of randomly-oriented strand carbon/PEEK composites is presented. The cause of defect formation was identified as non-uniform shrinkage due to a high coefficient of thermal expansion at the onset of crystallization. Panels with void content ranging from 0% to 1.3% were moulded by releasing the moulding pressure at specific temperatures during the cooling process. Mechanical tests showed a reduction in specimen compressive strength from 15% to 25% for a void content of 0.63–1.3%. It was concluded that the high concentration of porosity near the surface of the panels was the likely cause of the strength reduction.