Glass Fiber Orientation and Mechanical Properties of SMC Moldings

• Published in: Seikei kakou Vol. 16; no. 3; pp. 188 - 196
• Main Authors: Kawamura, Masahide, Kobayakawa, Masunori, Monno, Teruo, Nakai, Asami, Hamada, Hiroyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japan Society of Polymer Processing 20.03.2004
• Subjects: Bending modulus; Coefficient of thermal expansion; Glass fiber orientation; SMC; Soft X-ray photograph
• ISSN: 0915-4027; 1883-7417
• DOI: 10.4325/seikeikakou.16.188

In this study, the effects of glass fiber orientation on mechanical properties of compression molded sheet molding compounds (SMC) were examined. The charge pattern is an important factor affecting the glass fiber orientation and distribution in the final molded part. Three different charge patterns were adopted for the purpose of examining the influence of the glass fiber orientation on mechanical properties of molded SMC. Soft X-ray photography was used for examining the glass fiber orientation. Bending modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion at various locations of the SMC molding were also evaluated. The glass fiber orientation and distribution caused anisotropies in the mechanical properties of the SMC. The use of a smaller charge pattern increased the variation in the bending modulus and coefficient of thermal expansion across the sample because of greater induced fiber distribution and orientation effects.