Perspectives of web based composites from RCF material

Abstract

“Web Based Composites” consisting of nonwoven fabric made from recycled carbon fibres (rCF) have excellent economic and ecologic perspectives to find a place in industrial product design for cost-effective lightweight solutions in composites. However, the processing conditions of rCF are challenging and the industry is not yet aware of the full potential of the mechanical properties as well as the cost structure. The goal of the project “CaRinA” is to provide reliable material cards for the industry with crucial information on the mechanical properties to encourage the application of rCF nonwovens. Therefore a complete investigation of the parameters and boundary conditions of the production process to the final part is performed. Within the project CaRinA the ITA Augsburg is focused on understanding, explaining and enhancing the nonwoven process using an industrial sized nonwoven line from the company Dilo Systems GmbH, Eberbach, Germany. Nonwoven lines have i.e. over 40 parameters that influence the product quality. The most influential factors are determined using statistical experimental design to understand the relations and effects on the nonwoven and the composite properties. The approach of the ITA is explained in detail.