Joining Composite Components Using Low Temperature Thermoplastic Film Fusion

摘要

Composite components are joined together by an amorphous thermoplastic film forming a fused thermoplastic joint between the components. Fusion of the film may be achieved at relatively low temperatures that are sufficient to cure thermoset composite components, but are below the melting point of semi-crystalline thermoplastic components.

主权项

1. A method of joining two thermoplastic components comprising:
producing a first thermoplastic composite component by placing a first amorphous thermoplastic film on a first stack of thermoplastic pre-preg, and co-consolidating the first amorphous thermoplastic film and the first stack of thermoplastic pre-preg; producing a second thermoplastic composite component by placing a second amorphous thermoplastic film on a second stack of thermoplastic pre-preg, and co-consolidating the second amorphous thermoplastic film and the second stack of thermoplastic pre-preg; assembling the first and second thermoplastic composite components, including placing the first and second amorphous thermoplastic films against each other; pressing the first and second amorphous thermoplastic films against each other by applying pressure to the first and second thermoplastic composite components; and fusing the first and second amorphous thermoplastic films together at a temperature below approximately 475° F.