A theoretical and experimental study of new towpreg-based long fibre thermoplastic composites

The demands of the automotive industry for light, high performing materials generated an increasing interest in thermoplastic composites, especially Long Fibre Thermoplastics (LFTs). Currently, however, the high investments required for processing these materials limit their further application in other industries. The present work reports the experimental and theoretical study of a new cost-effective technology for making composites from powder-coated LFTs, by mixing in a piston-blender and compression moulding. It is shown that the process can be carried out without major problems, and that the properties of the composites produced are comparable to those of other LFT-materials. Overall, the current work shows the feasibility of this novel technology as a low-cost alternative to current LFT-processes.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) programa POCT