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Development of Low Density Glass Mat Thermoplastic Composites for Structural Applications
Technical Paper
2001-01-0100
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Event:
SAE 2001 World Congress
Language:
English
Abstract
The need for lightweight, fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, affordable automobiles has spurred considerable development in the field of composites. Composites made from lightweight thermoplastics, glass and carbon fibers or low-density metal alloys inherently fit the industry trends. Glass Mat Thermoplastic (GMT) composites made from continuous strand or chopped glass fiber web have been used for over two decades in automotive structural applications such as bumper beams, skid plates, running boards etc. Typically GMTs weigh 4 to 5 Kg/m2 and are flow-molded in a compression press. A low-density, lightweight GMT composite containing long chopped fiber strands was developed by AZDEL, Inc. for use in headliner and other automotive interior applications. The low density GMT weighs between 0.5 to 2Kg/m2.
This paper presents further development of the low-density GMT for automotive structural applications. This new thermoformable material has several advantages over other traditional materials such as steel and thermoset composites. The low-density GMT offers:
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Design flexibility
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Low weight
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High rigidity
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Excellent energy absorption characteristics
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Faster molding cycle times
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A more environmentally-friendly manufacturing process
The design flexibility and application of these low-density GMT composites in automotive industry and the advantages of applying these composites over the other materials in structural and modular applications will be discussed
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Authors
Citation
Raghavendran, V. and Haque, E., "Development of Low Density Glass Mat Thermoplastic Composites for Structural Applications," SAE Technical Paper 2001-01-0100, 2001, https://doi.org/10.4271/2001-01-0100.Also In
References
- Design of a New Bumper Beam Using Structural Thermoplastic Composite,” Crandall James Bhutani Dinesh Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 930542 , SAE Warrendale, PA 1993
- “A Comparison of C-Shaped and I-Type Cross-Sections for Bumpers Using Compression Molded Thermoplastics,” Clark Christopher Bejin Peter Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 940171 SAE Warrendale, PA 1994
- “Development and Characterization of Thermoplastic SMC: Mineral-Filled GMT,” Haque Enamul Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 2000-01-1076 SAE Warrendale, PA 2000
- Development of Low Density Glass Mat Thermoplastic Composites for Headliner Applications.” Haque Enamul Ickes Steve Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 2000-01-1129 SAE Warrendale, PA 2000
- A Stressed Skin Sandwich Structure for Automotive Industry,” Slaven John Marks Matthew Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, Paper No. 981015 , SAE Warrendale, PA 1998
- “Development of New Glass Mat Thermoplastic Composites for Interior Applications,” Haque Enamul Peterson Terry Bassett Walt Conference Proceedings, International Composites Exposition 1999
- “Encyclopedia of Plastics Material 1999” Modern Plastics, Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), CT 1999
- Additional information on GE Plastics engineered thermoplastics for automotive applications can be found by visiting our web site www.geplastics.com/automotive