Material Selection of a Parcel Shelf for Structural Performance and Perceived Quality Improvement through an Assessment of a Wide Range of Composite and Sustainable Materials

This paper addresses the need for improved material selection in parcel shelves, a key component in passenger vehicles used to conceal the trunk area. The focus is on weight optimization, structural integrity, and perceived quality improvement using sustainable and ultra-lightweight composite materials. Traditional materials such as PET Woodstock, while durable, contribute significantly to vehicle weight, which is a drawback in the context of electric vehicles (EVs). The proposed composite material alternatives offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and have been shown to improve the load vs. deflection ratio, enhance aesthetics, and reduce manufacturing complexity and costs. This study outlines the testing and evaluation process of varying GSM and thicknesses of composite materials, demonstrating superior stiffness, reduced deflection under load, and enhanced ease of assembly. This work contributes to the ongoing efforts to achieve lightweighting, cost efficiency, and sustainability in automotive component design.