Mechanism of fiber–matrix separation in ribbed compression molded parts

This paper presents a model that predicts fiber-matrix separation in ribbed sections of compression molded parts. The model combines a mechanical analysis of compression molding with some experimentally measured variables. It is shown that with a higher closing speed, the viscosity of the material will increase and fiber-matrix separation can be reduced. Specific applications for this method are compression molding of sheet molding compounds and glass mat-reinforced thermoplastics.