Evaluation of peel resistance of out-of-autoclave prepregs

In this study, the peel resistance of unidirectional out-of-autoclave (OOA) prepregs tapes has been evaluated using floating roller peel tests, per standard D3167 - 10. The peel load from the tests was measured as a function of compaction load, lay-up temperature and lay-up speed. A three-factor two-level full factorial design of experiments was used evaluate the contribution of each factor toward the overall tack resistance. The layup was carried out in a CNC milling machine, Bridgeport GX 480 using a roller assembly that was manufactured in-house. Initial observations reveal an average peel load of 170 N/m, with the highest 256 N/m recorded at higher levels of factors. Indications from the analysis suggest variation in lay-up temperature to cause significant variation in peel load values. The main factors and interaction factors contributed to ~30 % and 10% respectively of the overall peel load values.