Effects of Consolidation Parameters on Flexural Behavior of Polypropylene/Glass Fiber Thermoplastic Composites

In this study, the flexural behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFR-PP) composites was systematically investigated under three-point bending conditions to evaluate the impact of key production parameters. Composite plates with a thickness of 4 mm were fabricated using a stepped mold under varying pressure levels (10, 20, and 30 bar) and durations under pressure (5, 10, and 20 minutes). The specimens were prepared according to ASTM standards to ensure consistency and reliability. The primary objective of this study was to understand how production parameters influence the mechanical properties of GFR-PP composites. The results indicated that the combination of low pressure (10 bar) and longer durations (20 minutes) led to superior flexural strength and enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion due to optimized consolidation, with a maximum flexural strength exceeding 500 MPa. In contrast, higher pressure levels (30 bar) resulted in fiber deformation and reduced mechanical performance. This work provides critical insights into the optimization of production parameters to achieve high-performance GFR-PP composites, with potential applications in aerospace and other lightweight structural components requiring high mechanical strength and durability.