IN-SITU MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION AND DATA-DRIVEN OPTIMIZATION OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES MANUFACTURING

This presentation illustrates the application of an in-mold dielectric sensor solution for real-time material characterization and process monitoring. The in-situ material characterization makes it possible to detect and react to material and process variations in thermoplastics and thermoplastic composites. By extending the principles of dielectric analysis traditionally used in thermoset systems to thermoplastics, phase transitions in thermoplastic matrix materials can be monitored in real time during processing. The solution is applied to laboratory and industrial processing trials. The effects of aging and reprocessing on thermoplastic matrices and their influence on processing can be detected in real-time and appropriate corrections can be performed.