Investigating the Relationship between Fiber Length, Volume Fraction, and Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

Within the current reinforced plastic manufacturing paradigm, a paradox exists; filled and long-fiber-reinforced plastics are cheap, but lack the mechanical properties needed to displace structural metals, while continuous-fiber reinforced plastics (“CFRP”) possess exemplary mechanical properties but cost too much to compete with inexpensive stamped steel. A revolutionary approach is needed to enable vehicle designers to bridge this gap and restart the growth of plastics in automotive structures.