Infiltration behavior of recycled nonwovens

Motivation

Sustainability and energy saving pose major challenges for the development of new high-performance material systems. For example, recycling is a key challenge when using fiber-reinforced structural components. One approach to replacing continuous fiber-reinforced textile semi-finished products with recycled fibers is nonwovens. Due to the tangled and significantly more complex structure of the semi-finished fiber products, the infiltration of nonwovens into resin transfer molding process is a challenge, however. In this process, dry semi-finished fiber products are infiltrated with a plastic resin under pressure in a closed, near-net-shape mold. So far, however, only low fibre volume contents can be achieved with non-woven semi-finished products. Dry spots and pores also increase increase significantly compared to non-crimp fabrics and woven fabrics. The aim of this work is to analyze the causes of the poor infiltration properties of recycled nonwovens.

Contents

• Familiarization with the relevant state of research
• Systematic literature analysis on the causes of low fiber volume content
• Development of possible approaches to improve the infiltration behavior
• Elaboration of possible approaches to describe the complex microstructure
• Evaluation and documentation of the knowledge gained

Prerequisite:

• Motivation and ability to work independently
• Interest in new material systems and microstructure modeling

Field of study: Mechanical engineering and comparable

Type of work: systematic literature analysis, modeling possible

Start date: by arrangement

Contact:

M.Sc. Sarah Schlegel
Phone +49 721 608-41816
E-mail: sarah.schlegel∂kit.edu

M.Sc. Hannah Decker
Phone +49 721 4640-505
E-mail: hannah.decker∂kit.edu