Thermoplastic fiber composites processing

Key words polymer matrix composites, short-fiber composite molding processes, polymer nanocomposites, thermoplastics, thermosets. 

The formation of a fibrillar structure in TLCP blends makes the mechanical properties of this kind of composites similar to those of conventional fiber reinforced thermoplastics [11,26]. However, because the molecular orientation and fibrillation of TLCPs are generally flow-induced, the formation, distribution, and alignment of these droplets and fibers are considerably more processing-dependent. We do not know ... 

The lower thermal stability of natural fibers, up to 230°C, the thermal stability is only small, which limits the number of thermoplastics to be considered as matrix materials for natural fiber composites. Only those thermoplastics whose processing temperature does not exceed 230°C are usable for natural fiber reinforced composites. These are, most of all, polyolefines, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Technical thermoplastics, such as poyamides, polyesters, and polycarbonates, require... 

The model PBZT/ABPBI molecular composite system is limited since the rod and the matrix do not possess glass transition temperatures for subsequent post form consolidation. In an effort to improve the processability for molecular composites, thermoplastics were used as the host matrix. Processing from acidic solvents requires the thermoplastic host to be soluble and stable in meth-anesulfonic add. Thermoplastic matrices were investigated including both amorphous and semicrystalline nylons [71,72], polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ) [73] and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) [74], Table 5 shows the mechanical properties obtained for various processed PBZT thermoplastic molecular composite systems. As an example, the PBZT/Nylon systems showed 50-300% improvement over uniaxially aligned chopped fiber composite of comparable compositions. However, the thermally-induced phase separation during consol-... 

U.S. Pat. No. 6,844,040 [54] discloses a coextrusion process of making reinforced WPC structural members comprising hollow profiles formed from a thermoplastic-cellulose fiber composite material and reinforcing sections bonded to the hollow profile. 

More recent developments that will soon see series production in the automotive industry will facilitate low-cost placement of local structural component reinforcement with C fiber bundles combined with process engineering using a thermoplastic matrix (PP, PA, PET, PQ in 30-second cycles (see also under processing of thermoplastic fiber composites in the LFT-D process). 

Keywords Additives, Compounding, Deformation of melts, Extrusion foaming. Flow properties, Influences of processing on properties. Injection molding. Plastic melts, Processing of elastomers and thermosets. Processing of fiber composites. Processing of thermoplastics... 

Interim storage of the fiber composite material is realized in a heat accumulator, from which it is discharged in cycles by a ram, chopped into molding compound units by a cutter at the end of the accumulator, and transported on a discharge belt. The plasticized material produced in this way is transferred into a compression mold, then formed into a structural component in an extrasion process. The finishing steps are the same as in other CM methods used for long fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. 

Recent basic research has turned up new approaches for innovative materials combining elements of, and integrating the advantages of, wood and synthetic plastics. Lignin is one of the main components of this new class of plastic-like, wood-like biocomposites. The resulting mixture of lignin, natural fibers, and additives is a compound processable as a thermoplastic. The processed materials are short fiber composites. Arboform is a trade name for this class of compounds. 

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