Optimizing fiber wetout for composites manufacturing

Decreased mechanical strength in a fiber reinforced plastic part can often be traced to poor or incomplete impregnation of the reinforcing fiber with the matrix. To properly understand the impregnation process in the design of new composites manufacturing machinery (specifically in unidirectional ta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer composites 1991-04, Vol.12 (2), p.81-86
Main Author: Cercone, Larry
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composites
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
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Summary:Decreased mechanical strength in a fiber reinforced plastic part can often be traced to poor or incomplete impregnation of the reinforcing fiber with the matrix. To properly understand the impregnation process in the design of new composites manufacturing machinery (specifically in unidirectional tape machines), or to optimize wetout in existing machine designs, the raw process materials and their relationship within the process environment must be examined. The critical factors are: resin viscosity vs. temperature; the work of adhesion between the fiber and resin; and the problem of forcing the resin to completely penetrate a fiber bundle. If these factors are known, nip rolls can be designed to meet a specific process envelope, or in the case of existing equipment, the existing process envelope for specific fiber/matrix combinations can be manipulated for maximum fiber wetout.
ISSN:0272-8397
1548-0569
DOI:10.1002/pc.750120202