Separation of the polymer matrix and the fibrous reinforcement during compression moulding of Glass Mat Thermoplastics (GMT)

Homogeneous plane strain compression tests were performed on standard industrial GMT composites using a channel mould at 200oC. A charring and weighting technique was used to determine the fibre concentration after the compression experiments. Experimental results emphasise the influences of the initial length of samples, the compression elongation and axial strain rate on the fibre-matrix separation phenomenon.