Thermoplastic composite pipe tube with resin rich inner portion and method of manufacturing the same.

摘要

A thermoplastic composite pipe (10) having a resin rich inner portion and method of forming same. The pipe is formed by wrapping an inner layer (14) of thermoplastic material on a mandrel (12) and overwrapping the inner layer with an outer layer (16) of reinforced composite material. Preferably, the outer layer (16) is wrapped at a temperature greater than the melting point of the thermoplastic material of the inner layer (14). Heat is applied to the composite structure (10) while still on the mandrel (12) such that the mandrel expands and applies internal pressure on the inner layer forming a smooth internal surface thereof. Filler materials may be added to the inner layer (14) for providing additional reinforcing and for reducing the coefficient of friction along the inner surface of the pipe.