Modeling of the consolidation of polycarbonate carbon fiber towpregs

Towpregs are a new class of pre-impregnated materials that can be used to o btain structural composites by compression molding. Consolidation is an imp ortant part of this process. In this work, a mathematical model was develop ed to predict the evolution of the compression pressure during the isotherm al consolidation of thermoplastic matrix towpregs. The model relates the ap plied pressure to operational variables (speed and temperature) and materia l variables (viscosity, particle size, and polymer volume fraction). Tests were carried out at different temperatures and platen closing speeds, using carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate towpregs. The data obtained was comp ared with theoretical calculations, demonstrating the applicability of the model.