EasyEntry2TPC

Fiber-reinforced thermoplastics offer a number of advantages over fiber-reinforced thermosets. They can be re-melted, enabling thermoforming and welding processes as well as material recycling. Processing by thermoforming is suitable for large-scale production, but is limited to shell-shaped components and requires large investments in equipment due to the required temperatures and pressures. These costs represent a significant barrier to entry for small and medium-sized companies. The aim of the project is therefore to significantly reduce this barrier by developing a liquid impregnation process with in-situ polymerizing thermoplastics. This technology is similar to thermoset liquid impregnation processes - which are already in widespread use - but poses additional challenges in process control, for example with regard to the moisture sensitivity of the monomers or the corrosion resistance of the equipment used.

Over the past two years, the necessary plant technology and experience have been built up at the institute to support companies in the application of this technology. The main focus is on the processing of caprolactam to The project “EasyEntry2TPC – Thermoplastic Liquid Impregnation for Rapid Entry into the Production of Continuously Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Based on Established Thermoset Process Chains” is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Ministry of Economy, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture (MWVLW) (grant number 84007039). Pedical screw system of continuous and short fiber reinforced PEEK systems polyamide 6, but the plant has a modular design to enable the processing of different polymer systems and additives on a pilot plant scale. For this purpose, an adapted resin injection system and a sensor-equipped injection tool were developed, which are now available for research as well as for interested companies for technology transfer.