Analysis of the Rotation Bending Test Method and Characterization of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polycarbonate Tapes at Processing Temperatures

Bending is one of the dominant material deformation mechanisms that occurs during the forming process of unidirectional (UD) thermoplastic tapes. Experimental characterization of the bending behavior at processing temperatures is crucial to obtaining close-to-reality data sets for process analysis or material modeling for process simulation. The main purpose of this study is to characterize to a high degree of accuracy the temperature-dependent bending behavior of single and multi-ply specimens of carbon fiber-reinforced polycarbonate (PC/CF) UD tapes at processing temperatures, which implies a molten state of the thermoplastic matrix. The application of the rotation bending test using a customized fixture may come with systematic deviations in the measured moment that result from a pivot offset or an effective clearance that is unknown under realistic test conditions. The present research analyzes these effects with analytical methods, experimental investigations, and simulations using a finite element model. In this context, a compensation method for the toe-in effect is evaluated. With this approach, we were able to obtain reliable data and characterize the bending resistance within the desired processing window. The data reveal a major drop in bending resistance between 200 degrees C and 250 degrees C and a less significant decrease between 250 degrees C and 300 degrees C. Analysis of the thickness-normalized bending resistances indicates a non-linear relationship between specimen thickness and measured moment but an increasing shear-dominated characteristic at higher temperatures.