Using Heating and Cooling Presses in Combination to Optimize the Consolidation Process of Polycarbonate-Based Unidirectional Thermoplastic Composite Tapes

Janos Birtha, Eva Maria Kobler, Christian Marschik, Klaus Straka, Georg Steinbichler

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The main aim of this work was to optimize the consolidation of unidirectional fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite tapes made of polycarbonate and carbon fibers using a heating press and a cooling press in combination. Two comprehensive studies were carried out to investigate the impact of process settings and conditions on the quality of the consolidated parts. The initial screening study provided valuable insights that informed the design of the second study, in which the experimental design was expanded and various modifications, including the implementation of a frame tool, were introduced. The second study demonstrated that the modifications in combination with a high heating press temperature and elevated heating and cooling pressures successfully achieved the desired goals: the desired thickness (2 mm), improved bonding strength (23% increase), and reduced void content (down to 4.64%) in the consolidated parts.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number4500
    Number of pages21
    JournalPolymers
    Volume15
    Issue number23
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023

    Fields of science

    • 205 Materials Engineering
    • 205011 Polymer engineering
    • 201117 Lightweight design
    • 205012 Polymer processing
    • 205015 Composites
    • 104019 Polymer sciences
    • 301208 Pharmaceutical technology

    JKU Focus areas

    • Digital Transformation
    • Sustainable Development: Responsible Technologies and Management

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