Cavitation in thermoplastic melts: New insights into ultrasound-assisted fibre-impregnation

The impregnation of continuous carbon fibre roving with thermoplastic melt is a challenging task due to the high viscosity and surface tension melt. A new technique under development utilizing ultrasonic oscillations within which encloses roving, achieve impregnation. Despite processing being very efficient, specific conditions created in have never been studied before. This study investigated whether cavitation effects could be present during ultrasound-assisted observed acoustic allowed us suggest possible underlying mechanisms. For purpose melt-bath setup polylactide was built. To detect parameters calibrated high-temperature cavitometer used. results showed formation small zones direct vicinity sonotrode tip where would positioned. Therefore, occurrence established, induced like shock waves, microjets microstreaming should further considered for detailed investigation mechanism.