Modeling of the consolidation of polycarbonate/carbon fiber towpregs

Abstract Towpregs are a new class of pre‐impregnated materials that can be used to obtain structural composites by compression molding. Consolidation is an important part of this process. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to predict the evolution of the compression pressure during the isothermal consolidation of thermoplastic matrix towpregs. The model relates the applied pressure to operational variables (speed and temperature) and material variables (viscosity, particle size, and polymer volume fraction). Tests were carried out at different temperatures and platen closing speeds, using carbon fiber‐reinforced polycarbonate towpregs. The data obtained was compared with theoretical calculations, demonstrating the applicability of the model.