THERMOFORMING OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Matched‐die forming of a 90° bend in a quasi‐isotropic 16 ply laminate of ICI's APC‐2, containing 61 volume % Hercules AS‐4 continuous carbon fiber in poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK), is described. To uncouple and characterize elementary deformation phenomena, a series of simple tests are developed. Single ply bending of APC‐2 tape up to 420°C has been performed to characterize elastic bending. Transverse flow, axial interply shear flow, and z direction elasticity have been characterized in an instrumented matched die mold. Interply shear flow is characterized using a simple shear test fixture. Transverse flow and interply slip are relatively easily induced. Precautions should be taken to avoid fiber buckling and to provide for laminate reconsolidation. Copyright © 1990 Society of Plastics Engineers