Local Structure Fixation in the Composite Manufacturing Chain

Abstract

Compared to metal materials, textile reinforced composites show interesting features, but also higher production costs because of low automation rate in the manufacturing chain at this time. Their applicability is also limited due to quality problems, which restrict the production of complex shaped dry textile preforms. New technologies, design concepts, and cost-effective manufacturing methods are needed in order to establish further fields of application. This paper deals with possible ways to improve the textile deformation process by locally applying a fixative to the structure parallel to the cut. This hinders unwanted deformation in the textile stock during the subsequent stacking and formation steps. It is found that suitable thermoplastic binders, applied in the appropriate manner do not restrict formation of the textile and have no negative influence on the mechanical properties of the composite.

Spray binder for automated preforming: Spray process and preform properties

“…Commercial binder systems are available in different forms, common ones include powders, [10][11][12] veils, [13,14] preimpregnated fibers, [14][15][16] binders dissolved in solvent [14,17] or hotmelts. [14,[18][19][20][21][22] Different polymers can be used as binders. Depending on their interaction with the matrix material, there are two different binder classes: reactive and non-reactive binders.…”

“…In efforts to automate preform manufacturing, spray processes are often used instead of classic powder application or veils. [3,19,20,34] When spraying melted binder powder [35,36] or hotmelts, the binder loses heat and the ability to bond the textile layers together rapidly. [37,38] Consequently, the binder often has to be reheated after its application by infrared radiators, lasers, hot gas or intrinsic fiber heating.…”

“…[37,38] Consequently, the binder often has to be reheated after its application by infrared radiators, lasers, hot gas or intrinsic fiber heating. [15,20] Spray binders with properties similar to pressure-sensitive adhesives do not have this downside. They are highly viscous at room temperature and still offer enough tackiness to bond the textile layers together.…”

Studying the influence of different carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer patches on the mechanical properties of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer composite

“…Also, cutting textile layers into pieces to realise complex component geometry helps to avoid wrinkling and structural distortion. Following this, the customised layers of reinforced fabrics are sewed or fixed using binders [6]. It should be ensured that the joint area between the layers are of the proper size and fit according to the requirements of the application.…”

Powder binders used for the manufacturing of wind turbine rotor blades. Part 1. Characterization of resin‐binder interaction and preform properties

“…If the binder is applied in line or point patterns instead of full surface coverage, bending stiffness is reduced . For complex shaped preforms, low bending stiffness may be essential to maintaining drapeability .…”