Abstract
Fibre reinforced composites are differentiated by the used matrix material (thermoplastic versus duroplastic matrix) and the level of impregnation. Thermoplastic matrix systems get more important due to their suitability for mass production, their good shapeability and their high impact resistance. A challenge in the processing of these materials is the reduction of the melt flow paths of the thermoplastic matrix. The viscosity of molten thermoplastic material is distinctly higher than the viscosity of duroplastic material. An approach to reduce the flow paths of the thermoplastic melt is given by a commingling process. Composites made from commingling hybrid yarns consist of thermoplastic and reinforcing fibres. Fabrics made from these hybrid yarns are heated and consolidated by the use of heat pressing to form so called organic sheets. An innovative heating system is given by microwaves. The advantage of microwave heating is the volumetric heating of the material, where the energy of the electromagnetic radiation is converted into thermal energy inside the material. In this research project microwave active hybrid yarns are produced and examined at the Institute for Textile Technology of RWTH Aachen University (ITA). The industrial research partner Fricke und Mallah Microwave Technology GmbH, Peine, Germany develops an innovative pressing systems based on a microwave heating system. By implementing the designed microwave heating technology into an existing heat pressing process, FRTCs are being manufactured from glass and nanomodified polypropylene fibre woven fabrics. In this paper the composites are investigated for their mechanical and optical properties.
Highlights
By implementing the designed microwave heating technology into an existing heat pressing process, FRTCs are being manufactured from glass and nanomodified polypropylene fibre woven fabrics
In the context of the “Micropress” project, which is supported by the central innovation programme (ZIM) of the federal ministry for economic affairs and energy, the manufacturing of FRTCs with an innovative heating method is being investigated by the ITA
By commingling thermoplastic and reinforcing material on fibre basis, even high-viscosity matrices become processable and suitable for mass production. This is enabled by short flow paths of the thermoplastic matrix material, which are limited to a maximum of few millimetres [2] [3]
Summary
In the context of the “Micropress” project, which is supported by the central innovation programme (ZIM) of the federal ministry for economic affairs and energy, the manufacturing of FRTCs with an innovative heating method is being investigated by the ITA This project is based on researches dealing with nanomodification and commingling of hybrid yarns to achieve reduced processing times in the final manufacturing process [1]. By commingling thermoplastic and reinforcing material on fibre basis, even high-viscosity matrices become processable and suitable for mass production. This is enabled by short flow paths of the thermoplastic matrix material, which are limited to a maximum of few millimetres [2] [3]. These experiments are focused on the consolidation process by microwave technology
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