• Composites Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.155-159
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• 2013

This paper reviewed the continuous fiber tow spreading technologies and its applications. The effect of the continuous fiber tow spreading in manufacturing process of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite was introduced theoretically. The fiber tow spreading technologies were categorized according to the spreading medium and its order during manufacturing process. The general principles, the applications, and the merits and demerits of fiber tow spreading technologies were introduced. Furthermore, the proposal for future direction of research on this issue was considered in this study.

• Composites Research
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.249-253
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• 2015

This paper reports a study on a method for achieving lightweight thermoplastic laminate composites referred to as tow spreading technology. Thickness of an unspread 12 K carbon fiber tow is reduced by increasing the tow width from 7 mm to 20 mm. The polypropylene (PP) film was used to stabilize and impregnate the spread tow, covering it into a partially consolidated prepreg: 12 K carbon fiber spread tow/PP. Laminates were fabricated from the spread tow prepreg and control laminate composites were produced from unspread tow prepreg consisting of 12 K carbon fiber and PP. The void content, tensile and flexural properties of the composite laminates were investigated. Consequently, the spread tow laminate composite exhibited lower void content and improved mechanical properties.