Quantitative Measurement of the Tack for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Prepreg by Using a Compression-to-tension Method

Abstract Aim to the current lack of standardized testing for prepreg tack, this paper established a quantitative testing method for prepreg tack - a compression-to-tension method, and proposed a parameter of Compression Tack Index (CTI) as a quantitative evaluation index for prepreg tack. The prepreg / prepreg tack and prepreg / metal tack of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy prepreg were evaluated and verified the applicability of this compression-to-tension method, comparing with the qualitative testing method for vertical metal plates. The results show that the compression-to-tension method is suitable for quantitative testing of the tack for unidirectional prepregs and fabric prepregs with a good repeatability and stability of test results, and is not affected by personnel changes. Compared with the vertical metal plate method, the discrimination of the test results by the compression-to-tension method is significant. The tack of the slitting prepreg without PE film coating is lower than that of the mother prepreg with PE film.