Methods of infusing fibers with thermoplastic polymer resins include:
Fibers are drawn through a bath of liquid resin and formed into a thin sheet layer (prepreg).
Crown Plastics’ unique belt process enables multiple layers of woven or non-woven thermoplastic material and polymer to be processed simultaneously and continuously for the entire length of the rolls of material. This differentiation allows for the production of a single, large-quantity roll of finished composite material versus the small-batch runs produced by traditional prepreg processes. This approach eliminates the need for semipreg, as well as with the lengthy and costly processes that go along with it.
Fibers are laid over a resin sheet, heated and pressed into the liquified resin, then cooled.
Granulated resin is mingled with the fibers, heated under vibration and pressed into shape, then cooled.
The use of these methods of infusing fibers with thermoplastic polymer resin to form prepreg thermoplastic polymer composite sheets and rolls is obvious. The prepreg does not require cold storage (but should be stored appropriately to prevent environmental contamination), can be laminated and under temperature and pressure formed into a composite structure, as illustrated below.