Prepreg materials are pre-impregnated fibers for the manufacture of composite components, and are widely applied in the wind energy and aerospace industries. The properties of these semi-finished products, the type of processing, and the component design collectively play an important role in the quality and suitability for mass production of a fiber composite component. This book provides a holistic approach, showing the influence and mutual interaction of the parameters involved in the production of fiber composite components. ""Composite Technology"" gives an overview of the current state of prepreg technology, generation, and development as well as their variations and trends. It covers the fundamentals of prepreg preparation and starting materials; processing technology and automation; interactions between construction/design and material and between tooling material and composite components/design; testing of prepreg semi-finished products and components; and typical error patterns. New in this second edition is an extension of the coverage to include thermoplastic prepregs (TPPs) and their production, processing, and testing. Further updates on prepreg production and processing are also included.

This useful guide provides a hands-on approach to making carbon fibers and their composites for those who need to use these materials. The book begins with a brief history of carbon fiber development, with definition of the terminology for all forms of solid carbon, and the properties of elemental carbon and its allotropic forms. Various carbon fiber precursors, surface treatments, and sizes for a range of carbon fiber types available on the world market are presented. The book gives an excellent overview of the chemical and physical properties of carbon fibers and their composites. In addition, common test and analysis methods for demonstrating these properties are presented. Several chapters describe typical processing methods for carbon fibers with dry and also impregnated semi-finished products in applications such as aerospace, wind, and automotive, as well as the construction industry. The advantages and disadvantages of various manufacturing processes based on application examples are shown. Considerations regarding C-fiber recycling and sustainability (environmental footprint) as well as new developments in the field of carbon fiber manufacturing are intended to assist the reader in the selection and understanding of material, process, and design to achieve successful implementation.