Low-Density SRIM-Non-Glass Reinforced Polymer Composites for Automotive Interior Applications.

Kuyzin, G.S.; Schlotterbeck, D.G.; Kent, G.M.

The development of Structural RIM (SRIM) is progressing world wide with glass fiber as the predominant material for reinforcement Having the ad vantages of low cost and the ability to provide high-strength, glass has been used or suggested for use m such automotive composite structures as doors, firewalls, floor pans, front body structures, frame members, interior trim panels, impact beams, mounting posts, pillars, radiators, roof tops, seating structures, sparewheel covers, and specialty body modification panels. Although aramid fiber and carbon fiber have been used extensively throughout the acrospace industry as a low weight alternative to glass, there has been slow acceptance of nonglass reinforcements by the automo tive industry due largely to cost. However, with renewed interest m automotive fuel economy requirements, there have been numerous inquiries about nonglass, nontra ditional reinforcements.

Journal of Industrial Textiles, 1990, Vol 19, Issue 4, p211

1528-0837

Academic Journal

10.1177/152808379001900403