Processing Methodology to Embedding NiTi Shape Memory Fibers into a Polymer-Based Composite Plate

The objective of this work was the development of a processing methodology for embedding NiTi fibers into a polymer-based composite plate. A carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) prepreg and NiTi thin wires were used. A uniaxial hot press was prepared to be used in the composite processing. Two prototypes were fabricated to provide fiber alignment and fixation fixture. A CFRP composite plate without fiber and another with NiTi fibers were processed. Micrometers and a universal materials testing machine were used to measure the plate thickness and Young's modulus. It was possible to develop a processing methodology for embedding NiTi fibers into a polymer-based composite plate. The CFRP plate without fiber presented almost no variation in plate thickness and Young's modulus measurement thus enabling the CFRP manufacture by the hot uniaxial press. The fiber fixation fixture developed was able to produce CFRP-NiTi fiber hybrid composites with different number of fibers embedded, the spacing distance between fibers was at least 1 mm and the fiber alignment was achieved.