Improvements in pultrusion

Some disadvantages exist in the traditional thermosetting and thermoplastic pultrusion processes due to the limitation in different major aspects of the processes. However, studies conducted in various key features and problem areas, as listed in Table 12.1, of pultrusion process have resulted in better understanding and major advancements in the process. 

As a result, a number of pultrusion variants that combine conventional pultrusion and other processes such as compression moulding, injection, braiding, etc., have gained attention due to the ability to integrate the best qualities of the basic processes (Strong, 2002 Sumerak and Martin, 1987). 

Published investigations on the operations, equipment and materials used in thermosetting and thermoplastic pultrusion provide a base for understanding the current and prospective developments in these areas. 

Areas related to equipment Areas related to process 

This section reviews some key experimental studies leading to process optimization. 

---