Polymer infiltration studies

During the past three months, significant progress has been made on the preparation of carbon fiber composites using advanced polymer resins. The results are set forth in recent reports and publications, and will be presented at forthcoming national and international meetings. Current and ongoing research activities reported herein include: textile composites from powder-coated towpreg - role of surface coating in braiding; prepregger hot sled operation in making tape from powder coated tow; ribbonizing powder-impregnated towpreg; textile composites from powder-coated towpreg - role of bulk factor in consolidation; powder curtain prepreg process improvements in doctoring of powder; and hot/cold shoe for ATP open-section part warpage control.