Fabrication of carbon fiber SMC composites with vinyl ester resin and effect of carbon fiber content on mechanical properties

Fabrication of carbon fiber SMC composites with vinyl ester resin and effect of carbon fiber content on mechanical properties

Fiber reinforced composites are being used in the automotive industry and other manufacturing fields. Their properties, including high specific stiffness, strength and weight reduction make fiber composite materials an attractive replacement for metal components. The development of composites like carbon fiber reinforced plastic and related production technologies have contributed to the increasing application of fiber composite materials. Many new components have recently been adapted, including structural parts such as roof frames, under floors, trunk hoods and so on, using sheet molding compound (SMC) and resin transfer molding processes [1-5].