Hybridizing of glass sheet molding compounds (SMC) with recycled carbon fiber (rCF)

Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a widely used composite material, particularly in automotive applications, due to its cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties, and adaptability for complex shapes. While E-glass is commonly used as reinforcement in SMC, its strength and stiffness are limited compared to carbon fiber (CF). Previous research has focused on continuous-discontinuous SMC hybrids, combining continuous CF with glass fiber substrates, but these approaches are costly and complex to manufacture. This study explores a novel discontinuous-discontinuous hybrid SMC that combines E-glass SMC (G-SMC) with recycled carbon fiber (rCF) mats, aiming to enhance mechanical properties without a significant cost increase. Two materials were produced, one with and one without rCF, and were tested for flexural, tensile, interlaminar shear, and impact properties. Failure mechanisms were also examined through digital imaging. This approach demonstrates the potential for a cost-effective and practical SMC hybrid suitable for commercial applications in the automotive industry.