Optimization of high strength CF/LM-PAEK thermoplastic composite tube manufacturing parameters using the Taguchi Method and experimental verification

Samet K., KOÇAK H., Karatas E., Tasdemirci E.

COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING, cilt.302, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 302
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2025.112518
  • Dergi Adı: COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

A novel vacuum-free method was developed for producing thermoplastic composite tubes using woven carbon fiber/LM-PAEK. The effects of consolidation pressure, temperature, time, heating, and cooling rates were investigated through a Taguchi L16 design. Tensile, compressive strength, and density results were analyzed to determine optimal parameters, supported by Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). The optimized sample, verified through mechanical testing, DSC, radiographic, and SEM analysis, achieved 626.93 MPa tensile and 329.44 MPa compressive strength. The developed method allows the use of woven prepregs, enabling longitudinal fiber alignment that enhances tensile strength compared to angled fiber arrangements in filament winding. It requires only a hot press and mold, eliminating the need for high-temperature vacuum bags, airways, and sealing tapes. These advantages make the method a simple, economical, and effective alternative for fabricating aerospacegrade composite tubes.