Sheet forming in polymer matrix composites

Key words composite sheet thermoforming, fibre-reinforced thermoplastics, die forming, matrix flow, diaphragm forming. 

The key objectives in composite sheet forming are to reduce structure cost with automation, to increase production volume - when compared to thermoset processing - by eliminating a time-intensive thermal cure process, and to provide composite structures through continuous stepwise processing (Okine, 1989). 

7 Sheet forming turns the flat metal disk at the left into a three-dimensional structure by plastic deformation. 

Knowing the key objectives and interest in thermoplastic sheet forming, we next address the process and its fundamental considerations. 

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Creasy T. Sheet forming in polymer matrix composites. In Advani S, Hsiao K-T, editors. Manufacturing techniques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs). Cambridge (UK) Woodhead Publishing Limited 2012. 

Sheet forming in polymer matrix composites 5.2.1 Physical processes during forming The physical processes that occur during sheet forming are ... 

Sheet forming in polymer matrix composites 129 Continuous fibre composites... 

The idea of treating jute fibres with different additives to enhance the properties of hot-pressed Biopol composites was examined by Khan et al. (1999). As in a number of other research studies, Biopol , a PHBV originally developed by ICI but now owned by Metabolix Inc of the US, was the chosen polymer matrix. Jute was used in the form of a fabric combined with sheets of polymer film. Fibre treatments included 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate (3%), 7-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (2%) and trimethoxyvinylsilane (0.5%). These treatments were effective in improving composite mechanical properties by up to 80% over and above those properties obtained when using untreated fibre. 

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