Texier, Anne2014-03-142014-03-141991etd-03172010-020638http://hdl.handle.net/10919/41718A novel method of impregnation was used to make thermoplastic prepregs with aqueous suspension of polymer powder and AS-4 carbon fibers. The prepregging, consolidation, and laminate evaluation procedures are described in this report. The need and importance of a dispersing and binding agent and its interactions with the composite matrix are assessed. A time-temperature-pressure consolidation cycle was designed for PEEK prepreg. Two thermoplastic polymers were studied : LaRC-TPI, provided by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, and Poly(etheretherketone), synthesized in Virginia Tech Chemistry Department. Comparison of LaRC-TPI composites to those made at NASA-Langley Research Center demonstrated good reproducibility of the techniques used in this study. The last PEEK composites fabricated compared well to the ICI standards.xii, 147 leavesBTDapplication/pdfenIn CopyrightLD5655.V855 1991.T395Ceramic-matrix compositesFiber-reinforced ceramics -- ResearchThesishttp://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-03172010-020638/