Characterisation of Ductile Prepregs

Abstract

This study is focused on the analysis of micro-perforated prepregs created from standard, off the shelf prepregs modified by a particular laser process to enhance ductility of prepregs for better formability and drapability. Fibres are shortened through the use of laser cutting in a predetermined pattern intended to maintain alignment, and therefore mechanical properties, yet increase ductility at the working temperature. The increase in ductility allows the product to be more effectively optimised for specific forming techniques. Tensile tests were conducted on several specimens in order to understand the ductility enhancement offered by this process with different micro-perforation patterns over standard prepregs. Furthermore, the effects of forming temperature was also analysed to assess the applicability of this material to hot draping techniques and other heated processes.

Enhancement of interface performance between shape memory alloy fiber and polymer matrix using silane coupling agent KH550 and Al2O3 nanoparticles

“…Shape memory alloys (SMA) have been used for many years because of their shape memory properties, superelasticity, pseudoelasticity and high damping capacity . Shape memory alloys have been added to composites to enhance the damping behavior , impact mechanical properties and vibration control of composites. Lei et al investigated the tensile properties of composite laminates embedded with SMA fibers .…”

3D bio-inspired hierarchical discontinuous CFRP with enhanced ductility

“…This is, in fact, a critical parameter for the use of fibres in complex manufacturing procedures since, due to their high stiffness, they are difficult to deform and adapt on a surface parallel to their orientation. In order to overcome this drawback and increase the appeal from advanced industry for this material, several studies proposed the introduction of discontinuities along the fibres length in order to improve the material drapability [3][4][5]. Indeed, shortening the continuous long fibres , fibres have an increased 2 mobility in the location of the discontinuities [4,6] that allows to the material to follow more extreme curvatures and profiles, and, thus, to be employed for a wider number of applications where high formability is required.…”

Experimental investigation of sandwich panels with hybrid composite face sheets and embedded shape memory alloy wires under low velocity impact

“…Meo et al [38,50] evaluated the superelastic effect of SMA using a simple numerical model. In addition, [51] experimentally and numerically analyzed LVI of a smart hybrid thermoplastic composite panel. After embedding SMA wires into composites, the researchers observed an increased resistance to damage and delamination in the composites, as compared with conventional composite structures.…”