Abstract:
A process for debundling a carbon fiber tow into dispersed chopped carbon fibers suitable for usage in molding composition formulations is provided. A carbon fiber tow is fed into a die having fluid flow openings, through which a fluid impinges upon the side of the tow to expand the tow cross sectional area. The expanded cross sectional area tow extends from the die into the path of a conventional fiber chopping apparatus to form chopped carbon fibers, or through contacting tines of a mechanical debundler. Through adjustment of the relative position of fluid flow openings relative to a die bore through which fiber tow passes, the nature of the fluid impinging on the tow, the shape of the bore, in combinations thereof, an improved chopped carbon fiber dispersion is achieved. The chopped carbon fiber obtained is then available to be dispersed in molding composition formulations prior to formulation cure.
Abstract:
A device for spreading a cable of carbon fibers or carbon yarns, includes a disk mounted on a rotary shaft and provided with at least one comb adapted to comb a cable of carbon fibers or carbon yarns in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fibers or yarns of the cable. The comb includes a plurality of teeth protruding radially toward the outside of the disk, and a device for rotating the disk around its rotary axis. Furthermore, a method for spreading a cable of carbon fibers or carbon yarns, includes at least making the teeth of the comb of the device flush with the cable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fibers or yarns of the cable.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for separating a multi-strand elastic feed (1) comprising: an apparatus for separating a multi-strand elastic feed (1) comprising: a feed roll (2); a series of pins (3) for separating the feed located downstream from the feed roll said series extending laterally to the machine direction (9), the series comprising a first feed pin (4) and a subsequent set of separator pins (5); and wherein the spacing of the pins in the series is such that the separation of adjacent pins in the cross direction is less than the diameter of a separator pin, wherein in use, the multi-strand elastic feed is threaded manually around the feed pin and is then separated such that the strands pass around the separator pins in a direction opposite to that traveled round the feed pin with the result that the multi-strand elastic feed is separated into strands separated in the cross direction and a tensioning means to facilitate the initial threading of the feed around the pins; and a means for passing the separated strands directly for further processing (8) for incorporation into a laminate.
Abstract:
A carding machine for bundled fibers includes a feed roll wound with the bundled fibers; a carding unit to card the bundled fibers drawn out from the feed roll with a fluid that flows in a direction that is orthogonal relative to a moving direction of the bundled fibers; and a rewind roll that rewinds a carded sheet formed by the bundled fibers that are carded in the carding unit, wherein the carding unit includes an internal frame that forms a fluid flow path and a plurality of supporting parts placed along the moving direction of the bundled fibers between a front end and a back end in the moving direction of the bundled fibers within the frame.
Abstract:
A system for spreading a multi-filament bundle of fibers such that most of the individual fibers are exposed for various treatment and coating processes is described. The system is particularly suited to, but not limited to, carbon fiber applications. In such applications it is desired to spread carbon fiber tows consisting of anywhere from less than 1,000 to in excess of 144,000 individual filaments such that a significant portion of the filaments are exposed for processing. A spreading system can consist of one or more individual spreaders placed in series to achieve a desired spread. Each spreader consists of expandable bands, an expandable tube, or a compressible and expandable piece of foam placed between two angled support discs. The discs are angled away from each other such that the bands, tube, or foam between the closest points of the angled discs will stretch or expand as the support discs rotate about their respective axes. The fiber bundle enters the spreader at the point where the discs are closest together and exits at the point where the discs are furthest apart. The bands, tube, or foam therefore support the incoming fiber bundle and stretch or expand to an established width, thereby separating a portion of the individual filaments. Changing the angle of the support discs can control the amount of stretch. As the angle is increased, the overall stretch or expansion that the bands, tube, or foam are subjected to will increase, thereby increasing the filament separation of the fiber bundle. One or more spreaders can be placed in series to obtain a desired spread beyond the capabilities of a single spreader. The spreaders can be free spinning or motor driven depending upon the application.
Abstract:
A method and system for spreading a tow of fibers (12) using the acoustic energy from a speaker (16a) or other vibrating device for a gaseous medium over which the tow passes as the fibers zig-zag between rods (16d) is described. The spread two of fibers are produced at high speed with uniform spacing and are used to make composites with plastics.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a thread separating apparatus (11) for separating a thread (15) from a thread layer (13) comprising a first spindle (17) which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (18), in the circumference whereof a first helical guide track (27) is provided. The first spindle (17) during rotation is suitable for transporting a plurality of threads in the first helical guide track (27) along the first spindle (17). Located upstream of the first spindle (17) is a deflecting part (25) which provides for a deflection of the threads (15) from the first plane (16) into a second plane (35). At the rear end (33) of the first spindle (17), a first release edge (31) is provided for the release of the threads (15) from the second plane (35) into a third plane (39).
Abstract:
A fiber spreading apparatus prevents a fiber bundle from being split apart. Position restriction rollers 43g and 43h are arranged in a fiber bundle streaming and feeding section 43 so as to restrict a streaming and feeding position of the fiber bundle 1. A spread width of the fiber bundle 1 is thereby restricted and the fiber bundle is prevented from being split apart. A squeezing roller mechanism 52, which is arranged outside of a liquid stored in a fiber spreading tank 40, guides the fiber bundle 1 from within the liquid in the fiber spreading tank 40 to the squeezing roller mechanism 52 while bringing the fiber bundle into constant contact with a first guide 51. By so configuring, a surface tension of the liquid acts to prevent the fiber bundle 1 from being split apart.
Abstract:
A fiber spreading apparatus prevents a fiber bundle from being split apart. Position restriction rollers 43g and 43h are arranged in a fiber bundle streaming and feeding section 43 so as to restrict a streaming and feeding position of the fiber bundle 1. A spread width of the fiber bundle 1 is thereby restricted and the fiber bundle is prevented from being split apart. A squeezing roller mechanism 52, which is arranged outside of a liquid stored in a fiber spreading tank 40, guides the fiber bundle 1 from within the liquid in the fiber spreading tank 40 to the squeezing roller mechanism 52 while bringing the fiber bundle into constant contact with a first guide 51. By so configuring, a surface tension of the liquid acts to prevent the fiber bundle 1 from being split apart.
Abstract:
A method for the production of a multifilament carbon fibre-based longitudinal reinforcing element, designed to be incorporated in a rubber-based item. Said method comprises the following steps, whereby untwisted carbon fibres are plunged into an impregnating bath contained a solution of resorcinol-formaldehyde resin and rubber latex, the impregnated fibres are then dried and the dried fibres are subsequently twisted. The inventive method is characterised by the fact that it also comprises a step, during the impregnation step, consisting in opening out the carbon fibres by spreading out the constituent filaments thereof in such a way that each fibre has an increased surface area on which the impregnation can be performed.