Mechanical characterisation of pneumatically-spliced carbon fibre yarns as reinforcements for polymer composites

An investigation into the mechanical response of pneumatically-spliced carbon fibre yarns as a potential reinforcing material for polymer composites is presented. High strength connections between are produced by joining short discontinuous tows longer lengths via entanglement. The effect altering number high-pressure air pulses fired commercially available (Airbond 701H) splicing machine, to form tow-tow connection, on load bearing capacity and linear stiffness first evaluated splices virgin T700SC-24K-50C tows. best performing spliced configuration subsequently utilised in unidirectional epoxy laminates, which mechanically characterised, their properties compared those various continuous chopped strand mat panels. Results presented this study demonstrate that pneumatic provides high sustainable solution polymers with (approx. >50 mm length) virgin, off-cut or waste yarns. It speculated further research, quasi-continuous remanufactured fibres could provide novel weaving, braiding, non-crimp fabrics, use 3D printing applications.