Page 3 - MODCOMP NEWSLETTER 5

Newsletter, Volume 5

Recent Research Achievements

Up-scaling active screen plasma (ASP) treatments on CFs

After an all-inclusive characterisation on the ASP long carbon fibres of HTA40 were needed to be
treated CF materials in terms of SEM observa- optimally ASP treated. The challenges of this up-
tion, XRD characterisation, Raman spectrum scaling treatment was conquered via selecting a
analysis, wettability and its durability tests and suitable metal frame, designing/fitting dense
single fibre tensile tests with Weibull data analy- hooks on the top and bottom lines of the frame
sis, optimal treatment conditions have been and then mounting CFs on the frame to have
designated. In order to fulfil the industry demon- about 650 meters for one batch treatment (see
stration, a shell-type component, 10,000 meters Figures below and a video clip for details ).

Dense hooks

Active screen
plasma treatment

Carbon fibres b)

a)

The plasma chamber and the mounting of CFs on the metal frame.

When the treatment finished, CFs were unloaded from the frame and winded to the bobbins provided
by partner YUZ. During the last two months, in total 10k meters of the CFs were treated and posted to
YUZ and a shell-type demonstrator is expected to be made with the CFs sent. With such a frame, large
areas of the CF fabrics (1.4 m2) were also blanketed on it and ASP treated, which were sent to partner
NCC for making composite and carrying out the characterisations.

For more information, you can contact Dr. Xiaoying Li, E-mail: x.li.1@bham.ac.uk

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