A novel technique for making composite fibre and fabric-reinforced tubes, belts and other cylindrical structures is being developed by a team at TWI.
This technique harnesses the centrifugal force to wind and hold fibres in place against the inside wall of a rotating mould. Inside the mould, a composite is formed as an adhesive which cures to produce a cylindrical component.
This technology is believed to have a number of very good technical advantages including the ability to wind polymer composites without 'tack' and the ability to wind drive belts with reinforced teeth.