Towpregs From Recycled Plastics By Powder Fusion Coating

Abstract

An improved flexible towpreg article and a method of production therefor. The improved flexible towpreg article comprises a prepreg which comprises reinforcing filaments and matrix forming material comprising recycled plastics; the reinforcing filaments being substantially wetout by the matrix forming material such that the towpreg plies have a low void content compared to the multiply towpreg. The method of production for the improved flexible towpreg article includes the steps of spreading the reinforcing filaments; coating the reinforcing filaments with the matrix forming material in a manner causing interfacial adhesion of the matrix forming material to the reinforcing filaments; forming the prepreg by heating the matrix forming material contacting the reinforcing filaments until the matrix forming material liquefies and coats the reinforcing filaments; and cooling the prepregs in a manner such that substantial cohesion between neighboring towpreg plies is prevented until the matrix forming material solidifies.