Thermostamping of [0/90]n carbon/peek laminates: Influence of support configuration and demolding temperature on part consolidation

This work presents experimental results on the thermostamping of carbon/PEEK cross-ply laminates made of unidirectional prepregs. The first objective was to evaluate the effect of the supporting frame and laminate thickness on the consolidation quality of the final part. Based on the use of a square frame mounted with constant-force springs clamps, three support configurations are compared: (i) clamp a polyimide film with the springs and use it to support the blank, (ii) support the blank with the constant-force springs without polyimide film and (iii) support both the blank and a polyimide film with the springs. Using the best of these configurations (configurations ii and iii), the second objective was to push further the analysis and evaluate how demolding at different temperatures affects the part thickness distribution, the interlaminar shear strength and the cycle time of the process. Good consolidation qualities were obtained with configurations (ii) and (iii). However, the latter allows for more uniformity in the part thickness and higher shear strength when demolding at higher temperatures. It also allows a reduction of the molding cycle time considering the part can be demolded at a higher temperature (reduced cooling time). POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3341-3352, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers