Experimental Study of Deep Drawing of High-Strength Carbon Fiber-HDPE Composites

Abstract

Deep drawing of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced with woven carbon fibers (WCFs) demonstrates excellent resilience under stress, making it a promising material for applications demanding high strength and durability. This study investigated the influence of forming parameters, including temperature, forming depth, and punch velocity, on the deep drawability of HDPE-WCF composites. A dedicated experimental rig was designed and constructed for this purpose. Results indicate that increasing the forming temperature enhances the material’s flexibility, thereby reducing the required forming force. However, careful temperature control is crucial to prevent melting and potential degradation of material properties. The optimal forming temperature range was determined to be between 80°C and 90°C, significantly improving material formability. Conversely, at temperatures below 80°C, increasing the forming depth and velocity can increase the risk of material tearing and significantly elevate the required forming force.

Keywords

• composites
• carbon fiber
• forming force
• forming temperature
• deep drawing