Current Technologies in the Acoustical Rear Parcel Shelf

Rear parcel shelf constitutes to the vehicle sound absorption for a typical vehicle. Further the multifunctionality, support characteristics, weight and recyclability considerations are playing an increasing role in the substrate selection for the rear parcel shelf applications.

This paper studies and benchmarks the various substrates for the rear parcel shelf. The typical substrates analyzed included resin-bonded recycled fibers, wood fiber, LD-SRIM and polypropylene thermoplastic. The substrates are characterized for mechanical, dimensional stability and acoustical behavior. Long term dimensional stability is analyzed based on time-temperature superposition. Current process manufacturing techniques for the various substrates are reviewed. Attempt is made to develop hierarchy of recyclability for various substrates.