Braided thermoplastic composites from powder‐coated towpregs. Part II: Braiding characteristics of towpregs

Abstract Powder coated tows have a structure that is significantly different from conventional textile fibrous strands. The properties of carbon fiber tows coated with nylon 6 powder have been characterized in Part I of this series of Papers. In this study, braiding experiments have been carried out with powder coated and commingled tows. An approach has been established to estimate the damage inflicted to the towpregs during the braiding operation using a braiding simulator. Braiding studies reveal that the towpreg properties of flexibility and friction coefficient have significant effects on the braidability of these towpregs. These towpreg properties also have similar effects on the towpreg damage assessed with the braiding simulator. Commingled tow is easier to braid than powder coated tow. Wrapping facilitates braiding both types of tows.