Adaptive fiber-reinforced plastics based on open reed weaving functionalization

Abstract

It is aimed at realizing adaptive, and thus mechanically adjustable fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) components with complex 2D layouts so that complex 3D deformation of adaptive FRPs can be achieved. Therefore, the textile-technical integration of shape memory alloys into reinforcing fabrics is required. Hence, this paper presents the development of adaptive FRPs, where nickel-titanium-based shape memory alloy was structurally integrated into textile-reinforced semi-finished products by means of open reed weaving technology to generate adaptive FRP components. After manufacturing of the functionalized preform, it was infused by both a thermosetting resin system and a thermosetting system modified by means of plasticizer. Results of thermo-mechanical characterization revealed that the deformation of adaptive FRPs increased fourfold by adding the plasticizer to the reference thermosetting resin system.