Abstract
In-situ-polymerization of caprolactam inside an injection mould has the potential to enable production of complex fibre-reinforced plastic lightweight components in high quantities. Glasfibre, Carbonfibre or other fibre structures are wetted with very low viscous caprolactam combined with activator, catalyst and additives, a mixture which starts polymerization immediately inside the heated mould. Due to the resulting thermoplastic Polyamide, it is possible to add succeeding process steps, such as thermoforming, welding, or injection moulding. Furthermore, the thermoplastic matrix is recyclable. Unfortunately, common injection mould design is insufficient due to the very low viscosity of Caprolactam and its additives. Solutions known from thermoset processing (RIM--reaction injection moulding or RTM--resin transfer moulding) seem to be suitable from a technical point of view, however those do not meet the expectations for cycle time and feasibility of fully-automatic processes for serial production of large volumes. The scope of this master thesis has been to design, modify and verify mould components which fully meet serial production demands. Therefore, details for mixing heads, sealing of the split line and other moving elements as well as options for thermal control of the mould have been addressed. Finally, a complete process for serial production has been established and shown during the K2016 show in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Translated title of the contribution | Development and design of mould integrated solutions for the in-situ-polymerisation of caprolactam for the serial production of fibre-reinforced thermoplastic lightweight components |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dipl.-Ing. |
Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 16 Dec 2016 |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until 06-11-2021Keywords
- in-situ-polymerization
- caprolactam
- injection-mould
- lightweight-components
- mixinghead
- mould-sealing