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Optimizing fiber wetout for composites manufacturing
Author(s) -
Cercone Larry
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.750120202
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , fiber , envelope (radar) , process (computing) , work (physics) , matrix (chemical analysis) , bundle , manufacturing process , mechanical engineering , computer science , telecommunications , radar , engineering , operating system
Decreased mechanical strength in a fiber reinforced plastic part can often be traced to poor or incomplete impregnation of the reinforcing fiber with the matrix. To properly understand the impregnation process in the design of new composites manufacturing machinery (specifically in unidirectional tape machines), or to optimize wetout in existing machine designs, the raw process materials and their relationship within the process environment must be examined. The critical factors are: resin viscosity vs. temperature; the work of adhesion between the fiber and resin; and the problem of forcing the resin to completely penetrate a fiber bundle. If these factors are known, nip rolls can be designed to meet a specific process envelope, or in the case of existing equipment, the existing process envelope for specific fiber/matrix combinations can be manipulated for maximum fiber wetout.