Kinetics of autohesion of thermoplastic carbon-fiber prepregs

The kinetics of autohesion of continuous carbon-fiber thermoplastic-matrix prepregs above the glass transition temperature was studied by the measurem ent of the DC electrical contact resistance of the joint between two plies in real time during autohesion at Various constant temperatures. The resist ance decreased as autohesion progressed. The rate of decrease in resistance was used as an indicator of the rate of autohesion. The activation energy was 21.2 kJ/mol for both Nylon-6 and polyphenylenesulfide carbon-fiber prep regs. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.