On-line Consolidation of Commingled Polypropylene/Glass Roving During Filament Winding

In this study, the in situ consolidation of polypropylene matrix/glass reinforced rovings was performed combining two heating systems, an infrared oven and a hot air gun, and a roll pressing the commingled roving during hoop winding on a cylindrical mandrel. Process parameters were set up on the basis of a preliminary simulation of the heat transfer along the roving and then comparison of the results with experimental temperature profiles obtained by a noncontact thermometer. Composite samples were cut along the cylinder axis for mechanical characterization. Physical properties, such as density and void content, obtained using different processing conditions, were compared. Electron microscopy was performed in order to assess how processing conditions affect fiber–matrix impregnation.