Mechanical Characterization of Advanced Random Discontinuous Carbon/Epoxy Composites☆

Compression molding is a closed mold process, the most common choice for high-volume composite parts and often associated with SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) materials. The aim of this work is the experimental investigation of the level of isotropy of the mechanical properties, such as stiffness, strength and elongation to rupture, of a material system composed of randomly oriented discontinuous carbon fiber strands in a polymer matrix after consolidation by the compression molding.