Crystallization of thermoplastic composites during the heating phase of Laser-Assisted Fiber Placement

Crystallization of thermoplastic composites during the heating phase of Laser-Assisted Fiber Placement: An experimental investigation into the development of degree of crystallinity in CF/PPS tapes during the heating phase of LAFP

Iványi, Charlotte (TU Delft Aerospace Engineering)

Teuwen, Julie J.E. (mentor)
Jimenez del Toro, A. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Aerospace Engineering

2023-02-17

Laser-assisted fiber placement (LAFP) is a promising manufacturing process for thermoplastic composites (TPCs), which enables out-of-autoclave production and eliminates post-consolidation steps. In LAFP, thermoplastic carbon fiber tapes are heated with a laser heat source and placed into the desired layup with the help of a robot, while being compressed by a pressure roller to achieve intimate contact between layers. Despite its advantages, the technology is not yet ready for commercial use due to limitations in laminate quality and consolidation. A crucial factor affecting these is the degree of crystallinity in the thermoplastic matrix, which has received limited attention in previous research. The crystallization behavior in rapidly laser-heated TPCs is unknown, making it difficult to predict matrix-fiber viscosity and intimate contact. This study investigates the impact of rapid laser heating on the crystallization of TPCs.

thermoplastic composites
thermoplastic
laser-assisted automated fiber placement (LAFP)
crystallinity

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:a8f477de-a2f0-4bcf-b956-4cf035aacc79

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Charlotte Iványi