Thermoplastic Pultrusion: A Review

Abstract

Pultrusion is one of the most efficient methods of producing polymer composite structures with a constant cross-section. Pultruded profiles are widely used in bridge construction, transportation industry, energy sector, and civil and architectural engineering. However, in spite of the many advantages thermoplastic composites have over the thermoset ones, the thermoplastic pultrusion market demonstrates significantly lower production volumes as compared to those of the thermoset one. Examining the thermoplastic pultrusion processes, raw materials, mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites, process simulation techniques, patents, and applications of thermoplastic pultrusion, this overview aims to analyze the existing gap between thermoset and thermoplastic pultrusions in order to promote the development of the latter one. Therefore, observing thermoplastic pultrusion from a new perspective, we intend to identify current shortcomings and issues, and to propose future research and application directions.

New Advances and Future Possibilities in Forming Technology of Hybrid Metal–Polymer Composites Used in Aerospace Applications

“…Bars and profiles can be produced by the pultrusion method. Fibre is pulled a bath of resin, and then the fibre passes through dies forming and squeezing th resin and the heating zones of the mould, where it is hardened [47,339,340]. T nology is intended for the production of profiles with a constant cross-sectio forcement, and, at a later stage, the finished elements, are pulled through successive devices shown schematically in Figure 28 [341][342][343][344].…”

“…The most common methods of manufacturing composites using thermosetting polymers include hand lay-up, forming with the use of a flexible vacuum bag or autoclave, infusion methods, low and high pressure pressing, and automated fibre placement (AFP). Composite materials consisting of thermoplastics are mainly produced by the method of "hot" pressuring in presses using chilled moulds, AFP, and methods of continuous pultrusion [47]. In terms of the mechanical strength of FMLs, the most advantageous method of producing FMLs is the autoclave method, which uses the simultaneous action of pressure, vacuum, and temperature [15,48].…”

Analysis of Spring-in Deformation in L-shaped Profiles Pultruded at Different Pulling Speeds: Mathematical Simulation and Experimental Results

“…The last decades have been marked by the significant growth of composites application within the engineering community due to their superior properties over traditional construction materials (timber, concrete, steel) [1][2][3][4].…”

Manufacturing and metallization of hybrid thermoplastic-thermoset matrix composites

“…Due to this reason, many scientific efforts have been devoted to the manufacturing and the optimization of fiber reinforced composites [3][4][5][6][7]. Aerospace sector has observed inculcation of different approaches to handle the weight reduction issue.…”