A thermoplastic resin matrix and its physical properties suitable for deformable mandrel

Abstract

The mandrel is able to shape the part cavity, therefore is of great significance for composite parts in the manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer(CFRP) composite part. However, in the manufacturing of composite parts with complex cavities, traditional rigid mandrel cannot be removed out of the cavity in any direction after the outer prepreg is cured. To solve the problem of difficult demolding, a kind of deformable mandrel emerged. The deformable mandrel is rigid at room temperature to support composite part curing. While at relatively high temperatures, the mandrel is softened so that the mandrel can be easily removed from the composite part despite the complex part cavity shape, therefore resolving complications regarding the demolding process. In this paper, a thermoplastic resin material matrix suitable for the preparation of deformable mandrel is proposed. Ingredient and manufacturing flow of the thermoplastic resin matrix are introduced, and the applicability of the proposed matrix with regard to the deformable mandrel is validated through dynamic mechanical analysis.