Winding thermoplastic

Christen, O., Neitzel, M. and Rasche, C., FUament winding thermoplastic composite cylinders with on-line impregnation , Proceedings 42nd International SAMPE Symposium Exhibition, 4—8 May 1998, Anaheim, California, USA. 

Composite processing uses specialized methods. For thermoplastics, glass mat thermoplastic (GMT) is the main method but prepreg, lay-up, tape winding, pultrusion are also used to produce composites. SMC/BMC are the main processes for thermosets but lay-up is currently used for large parts and prepregs are used for high-tech parts. 

The typical resin systems include thermoset polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxies, polymi-dies, bismaleimide, and phenolics. Thermoplastics are also finding their way into filament winding. Wet thermoset filament winding requires a resin with viscosity in the range of 1000-3000 cpoise. Resin components are chosen on the basis of pot life, winding temperature, viscosity, gel time, and cure time. 

There are a number of general references available that contain detailed descriptions of the winding process and equipment itself [5,6], The purpose of this work, however, is to focus on the relationship between processing conditions and final part quality for both thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix filament wound cylinders. In the subsequent sections, an overview of the process will be presented, followed by detailed descriptions of current process modeling techniques and methods for determining cylinder quality. 

The prepreg winding technique offers better control of fiber volume fraction, but at a cost. Material costs are 1.5 to 2 times higher, and there are additional costs associated with storing the preimpregnated (thermosetting matrix) tows. Preimpregnated tows are used almost exclusively for thermoplastic matrix materials, where there are no shelf-life restrictions. 

Process models allow composite case manufacturers to determine the affects of process variable settings on final cylinder quality. Because the cost of a composite cylinder can be as great as 500,000, the ability to simulate filament winding can significantly reduce cost and improve quality. Several computer models of the filament-winding process for both thermoset and thermoplastic matrix materials have been developed. These models are based on engineering principles such as conservation of mass and energy. As such, numerous resin systems and fiber materials can be modeled. 

Flow charts with relevant inputs and outputs for each submodel are shown in Figures 13.7 and 13.8 for winding of thermosetting and thermoplastic composite cylinders, respectively. The primary differences between process models for thermosetting and thermoplastic cylinders arise in (1) the method of heating, and (2) the mechanics of consolidation/ fiber motion. 

Figure 13.8 Flow chart showing interrelationship of submodels for filament winding with thermoplastic matrix materials...

Consolidation and development of interlaminar bond strength for thermoplastic matrix composites have been modeled by two mechanisms intimate contact and autohesion. Intimate contact describes the process by which two irregular ply surfaces become smooth (Fig. 13.10). In areas in which the ply surfaces are in contact, autohesion occurs, and the long thermoplastic polymer chains diffuse across the ply boundaries. Filament winding with thermoplastic matrix materials is considered an on-line consolidation process in that local... 

Hummler, J., Steiner, K.V. Experimental Study of Robotic Thermoplastic Filament Winding of Complex Geometries (1990) Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware... 

Basically, a viscous bank of excess thermoplastic or rubber is pressure-formed between a pair of parallel co-rotating rolls to form a thin film or a thicker sheet. Most calenders consist of four rolls in L- or Z-shape, plus additional feed rolls and post-calender laminating, patterning, and/or wind-up rolls. 

Most high performance applications in aircraft use epoxy-based resin systems. Silicones, phenolics and polyimides are limited to special high temperature or electrical applications. Although thermosetting resins such as epoxy are commonly used in filament winding, there has been recent research into using thermoplastic matrix materials [9]. 

Mack J, Schledjewski R. The hlament winding process in thermoplastics. In Advani S, Hsiao K-T, editors. Manufacturing techniques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs). Cambridge (UK) Woodhead Publishing Limited 2012. 

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