Compression thermal analysis of the consolidation process for thermoplastic matrix composites

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1990 · Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1177/089270579000300304· OSTI ID:6449383

Nelson, K M; Manson, J A.E.; Seferis, J C ^[1]

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1. Washington Univ., Seattle (USA)

Consolidation of thermoplastic prepregs was measured with an integrally-heated parallel platen apparatus attached to a servo-hydraulic mechanical testing machine. The apparatus was designed as a small-scale, well-instrumented press. The lamination or consolidation process was viewed as a superposition of three distinctly occurring events identified as void volume reduction, fiber spreading, and autohesion. Consolidation was measured in relation to the original prepreg thickness and was reported as compressive or consolidation strain as a function of temperature. The derivative of the consolidation strain, the consolidation strain rate, was found to be qualitatively descriptive of viscoelastic phenomena occurring in the prepreg stack during consolidation. The apparatus was sensitive enough to identify glass and melt transitions of the polymer matrix, and to provide a measure of the net consolidation for a given processing cycle. The strain and the strain rate data were compared to thermoanalytical prepreg data obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. Three different thermoplastic matrix composite systems were examined with this apparatus: Poly (etheretherketone), Poly(etherimide), and Poly(ethylene terephthalate). 21 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6449383
• Journal Information: Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials; (USA), Vol. 3; ISSN 0892-7057
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
THERMOPLASTICS
PROCESSING
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
MATRIX MATERIALS
POLYESTERS
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOLS
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RESINS
THERMAL ANALYSIS
THERMAL EXPANSION
THICKNESS
ALCOHOLS
DIMENSIONS
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EXPANSION
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PLASTICS
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360601* - Other Materials- Preparation & Manufacture