Composite consolidation using induction heating

摘要

A process for consolidating a composite material comprises the steps of forming a workpiece including a matrix interspersed with fibers, supporting the workpiece by an electrically conductive support, inductively heating the support and thereby conductively heating the workpiece, and applying pressure to the heated workpiece. We apply the pressure by passing the support and workpiece through spaced rolls. To keep the workpiece from sticking to the support (i.e., the mandrel), we use boron nitride as a release agent.