Abstract
Online commingled yarns were spun with three different polymeric matrices, namely polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) and glass fibers. Tailored sizings were applied for the three matrices and the resulting mechanical performance of unidirectional composites was evaluated and compared. Significant improvements in the fiber/matrix bonding were achieved by employed sizing chemistry in order to achieve multifunctional interphases. The pure silane coupling agents provide the best performance for all matrices investigated. However, an additional film former has to be added in order to achieve fiber processing. Film formers compatible to the matrices investigated were adapted. The consolidation behavior during isothermal molding was investigated for polypropylene matrix. Different fiber volume contents could be realized and the resulting mechanical properties were tested.
Highlights
Thermoplastic polymer matrices enable to manufacture composites at very short cycle times which makes them feasible for high volume productions
The homogeneous fiber/matrix distribution of online commingled yarns especially leads to short impregnation paths and low void contents reflected by the high mechanical performance of the thermoplastic composites
Thermoplastics can be divided into polar polymers containing functional groups (e.g., PA6.6) and non-polar polymers
Summary
Thermoplastic polymer matrices enable to manufacture composites at very short cycle times which makes them feasible for high volume productions. Fiber impregnation is more difficult due to the high melt viscosity of the thermoplastic matrix. One of the most promising routines is provided by online commingled yarns which are based on the principle of homogeneous distribution of continuous matrix filaments and reinforcement glass filaments (GFs) during melt spinning [1]. This technique is more advantageous compared with air jet texturing because fibers were not damaged during commingling. The homogeneous fiber/matrix distribution of online commingled yarns especially leads to short impregnation paths and low void contents reflected by the high mechanical performance of the thermoplastic composites
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