MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TOW PLACED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE FLAT PANELS

AS4/PEEK towpreg and IM7/Radel 8320 slit tape were used to make flat p anels by automated tow placement. Specimens were tested in notched and un-notched tension, notched and unnotched compression and compression after impact (CAI) at room temperature and under hot/wet conditions. Mode I fracture toughness, G(ic), was also measured using a double can tilever beam (DCB) test at room temperature. The properties were compa red with AS4/ PEEK tape laminate properties reported in the literature . The tow placed AS4/PEEK material was stronger in tension but weaker in compression than the AS4/PEEK tape laminates. The tow placed AS4/PE EK was stronger but less stiff than the tow placed IM7/Radel 8320 in a ll compression tests. The IM7/Radel performed better in all other mech anical tests. The IM7/Radel also out- out-performed the AS4/ PEEK in a ll CAI tests.