The effect of Laser-Induced deconsolidation on the compaction behavior of thermoplastic composite tapes

The effects of laser-induced deconsolidation on the compaction process of CF/PEEK tapes were investigated. First, tapes with different degrees of deconsolidation were manufactured using a laser heater. This procedure resulted in samples with different waviness, thickness, void content and surface roughness values. Then, as-received and laser-deconsolidated tapes were compacted under two different temperature histories and four different pressure levels. Waviness induced by laser-deconsolidation vanished when the material was heated up to the glass transition temperature even at a very low compaction pressure. Unlike waviness; increased thickness, void content and surface roughness due to laser-deconsolidation remained between the glass transition and melting temperatures. After the melting temperature was exceeded, the effects of laser-deconsolidation were dependent on the applied pressure and initial degree of deconsolidation. The final surface roughness, thickness and degree of effective intimate contact were affected by the degree of laser-deconsolidation when a compaction pressure of less than 300 kPa was applied.