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• Production by pultrusion and mechanical characterization of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites

  A. Carreiras, P. Esfandiari, J. Silva, A. Marques

  Materiales Compuestos (Online first).

  
  

  Abstract

  Thermosetting matrix composites are by far the most use composite solutions in the market. Thermosetting matrices are not currently possible to recycle by convenient means, which makes them a poor sustainable solution. In environmental terms, these matrices materials are also more harmful due to gas emissions during the curing process that can be considered harmful to the workers. Thermoset composites also have some disadvantages from the point of view of mechanical behaviour, being less ductile and resistant when compared to thermoplastic matrix composites. Despite the very high viscosity of thermoplastic materials that is a main problem regarding composite processing, they have advantages such as being recyclable, cleaner workspaces and greater availability, as well as a longer shelf life. This paper aims to be a contribution to increase use of thermoplastic matrix composites as alternative to the more traditional thermosetting based composites. First, thermoplastic matrix prepregs were produced in tape form by dipping the fibres into a molten polymer bath. Carbon and glass fibres are used as reinforcement material, testing their combination with thermoplastic polymers and recycled polymers. The use of prepregs is more attractive on the market as the process of mixing and selecting the raw materials is carried out prior to their application in a consolidation process. The prepregs were then processed by pultrusion, which is characterised by its continuous nature, allowing the manufacturing of constant cross section profiles for structural applications. The pultrusion of thermoplastic composites is still a novelty and therefore presents challenges. The determination of the best combination of operational parameters was also conducted in this study. Finally, the produced profiles were subjected to mechanical tests as a way of assessing the quality of the processed composites. The mechanical properties obtained will be compared to those predicted by the application of micromechanical models using experimentally obtained mass fibre fraction content.

  Abstract
  Thermosetting matrix composites are by far the most use composite solutions in the market. Thermosetting matrices are not currently possible to recycle by convenient means, [...]

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