Continuous fiber reinforced glass composites automotive

Composites. High molecular weight PPS can be combiaed with long (0.6 cm to continuous) fiber to produce advanced composite materials (131). Such materials having PPS as the polymer matrix have been developed by usiag a variety of reinforcements, including glass, carbon, and Kevlar fibers as mat, fabric, and unidirectional reinforcements. Thermoplastic composites based on PPS have found application ia the aircraft, aerospace, automotive, appliance, and recreation markets (see Composite materials, polymer-matrix). 

Fiber-reinforced composites contain strong fibers embedded in a continuous phase. They form the basis of many of the advanced and space-age products. They are important because they offer strength without weight and good resistance to weathering. Typical fibers are fiberous glass, carbon-based, aromatic nylons, and polyolefins. Typical resins are polyimides, polyesters, epoxys, PF, and many synthetic polymers. Applications include biomedical, boating, aerospace and outer space, sports, automotive, and industry. 

Continuous improvement on the performance of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene has been gaining ground to replace metal and other more expensive composite materials. Examples can be found in the weed trimmer from Black and Decker, the housing and adapter plate for pumps of Hayward Pool Products, air-cleaner housings, and trays for light trucks (172). The impact grade is suitable for hockey skate components, automotive fender liners, and ammo boxes. 

Traditionally, material design requirements that suit such demanding end-use applications have been limited within the domain of engineering plastics based on polyamide 6 or 66, polyester alloys, and polyacetal type resins. However, as described in Chapter 1, glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRP) composites continue to gain a market share in automotive molded parts. 

In the automotive area, short glass fiber-filled PPE/PP blends are used for front-end modules, seat backs, load decks, and underhood parts. PPE-PP blends were also evaluated as a thermoplastic matrix for continuous glass-mat reinforced composites. GM s Chevy Volt concept electric car featured light-weight, compression-molded thermoplastic composite hood and door panels, the core of each panel being made from low-density glass mat (Azdel) reinforced Noryl PPX grade PPE/PP blend (EV world 2007). 

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