The experimental determination of prepreg tack and dynamic stiffness

A new peel test has been developed which quantifies the tack and dynamic stiffness of uncured prepreg. The test is designed to simulate the automated tape lay-up (ATL) and automated fibre placement (AFP) processes. It includes a pressure controlled application stage, where contact time is inversely proportional to peel rate. The use of a thin film allows stiffness to be isolated from peel resistance in a continuous two stage test. A repeatability study revealed consistent results with 16% standard deviation. Tack and stiffness variability has been observed across roll width and between faces in commercial hand lay-up prepregs. The overall tack and stiffness values for commercial hand lay-up prepregs were found to be inconsistent with the levels specified by manufacturers. A temperature increase revealed inconsistent effects on tack between materials. The contradictory results were rationalised by observing failure modes. The two failure modes observed appeared equivalent to those found in pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) peel. The shear storage modulus of the prepreg resin was compared to the PSA Dahlquist criterion and found to support the principle of contact efficiency. However, the actual value for the criterion is expected to be a function of prepreg specific conditions such as resin content, fibre distribution and surface pattern. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.