Influence of process parameters on the thermostamping of a [0/90]12 carbon/polyether ether ketone laminate

In this study, an experimental evaluation of the thermostamping process was made for a 3D part molded with a [0/90](12) laminate composed of unidirectional carbon fiber/polyether ether ketone (CF/PEEK) plies. Using the Taguchi method, the effect of four operational parameters on the part thickness, interlaminar shear strength and the degree of crystallinity were investigated. These parameters are the preheating temperature in the oven, the mold temperature, the oven to mold transfer time and the stamping pressure. The results show that the mold temperature and stamping pressure have a significant effect on part consolidation. In addition, the interlaminar shear strength, measured at the base of the molded part, was higher for thinner parts compared to those having a greater thickness. These results were also confirmed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis, which show that the degree of crystallinity is higher for thinner parts. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.