Tape-like dry fibrous reinforcement
AssigneeTape Weaving Sweden AB
InventorsMats JOHANSON, Oskar SJÖSTEDT, Fredrik OHLSSON
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Abstract
A tape-like dry fibrous reinforcement, the ‘Gapped UD reinforcement tape’, providing channels or flow-paths created by inclusion of a layer of separated fiber tows held by at least one adhesive layer. Hereby, quicker wetting of fibers with matrix is obtained, whereby improved composite materials can be economically produced. A method and apparatus for producing the Gapped UD tapes are also disclosed.
Claims15
A tape-like dry fibrous reinforcement comprising at least one fiber/filament layer having a plurality of fibers/filaments arranged in a plurality of substantially unidirectional tows arranged alongside each other, each tow comprising a plurality of substantially unidirectional fibers or filaments, and at least one porous adhesive layer attached to the tows of at least one fiber/filament layer by surface connection, wherein the tows of the at least one fiber/filament layer are separated from each other by separation channels.
A method for obtaining a tape-like dry fibrous reinforcement comprising:
- arranging tows in substantially unidirectional orientation alongside each other to form at least one fiber/filament layer, each tow comprising a plurality of substantially unidirectional fibers/filaments, wherein the tows of the at least one fiber/filament layer are each separated by separation distance;
- providing a porous adhesive layer on at least one side of said fiber/filament layer;
- and
- attaching the porous adhesive layer to the fiber/filament layer by surface connection, for example by heating, by use of a suitable bonding agent and/or pressing.
An apparatus for forming tape-like dry fibrous reinforcement comprising:
- a separating device, for arranging fibers/filaments in substantially unidirectional tows alongside each other to form a fiber/filament layer, each tow comprising a plurality of substantially unidirectional filaments, wherein the tows of the at least one filament layer are each separated by separation distance;
- an attachment or feeding device for laying a porous adhesive layer on at least one side of said fiber/filament layer;
- and
- a heater or bonding agent applicator for attaching the porous adhesive layer to the fiber/filament layer by surface connection by heating or chemical bonding.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.