Recent Research Trends in Carbon Fiber Tow Prepreg for Advanced Composites

Abstract

Funding Information ▼ green The tow prepreg refers to a prepreg in the form of a tow having a predetermined proportion of resin impregnated in reinforcing fibers such as one strand of carbon fiber, glass fiber and aramid, and is an intermediate material for the filament winding method. Recently, research on the development of high-performance pressure vessels has been actively promoted, and interest in tow prepreg, which is a material for a dry-type winding method that can replace a conventional wet filament winding method, is increasing. In this paper, the latest research trends of carbon fiber tow prepregs, which are attracting attention as materials for parts manufacturing, which simultaneously require performance and reliability, such as rocket motor case, fuel tank for hydrogen fuel cell automobile, and industrial high pressure pressure vessel, Abstract Tow Prepreg is the intermediate material for filament winding process that has been "pre-impregnated fiber tow" with resin system. As "dry filament winding" process emerges as a reliable alternative to conventional filament winding (called "wet filament winding") process, interest in tow prepreg as a material for dry filament winding is rising as well. In this article, we have reviewed the recent research trends in carbon fiber tow prepregs for high-performance rocket motor cases, fuel tanks for hydrogen vehicles and other high-quality commercial pressure vessels.