Abstract
Reinforcing fiber tow can be more widely and thinly opened than its original tow, by using the new pneumatic method previously reported. The opened tow is so wide and thin that it can not be applied to conventional weaving machines. Accordingly, a new weaving method was devised in which the motions of warp yarn supply, shedding, weft insertion, read beat-up and cloth take-up are different from those of conventinal method, and by which not only rectangular (0°/90°) weave, but also bias (0°/α°) weave can be produced. 12K carbon fiber tow was opened over the width of 16mm and then applied to the new weaving machine made for trials.
As a result, (0°/30°, 45°, 60°, 90°) weaves were smoothly produced without distortion of weaving yarn, nap and weave opening. Their fabric weight and thickness are lighter and thinner than those of the weave by using the 1K tow. In addition, their weaving crimp angle of warp yarn in these weaves is much smaller than that in conventional weave.
