Mechanical and thermal properties of silane-treated carbon fiber mat/pseudo-thermoplastic poly (methyl methacrylate) sheet molding compound

Abstract Sheet molding compound (SMC) is a key material in the automotive industry, but the increasing environmental concerns call for recyclable composite materials. In this study, the authors developed a novel carbon fiber mat-based SMC material using a pseudo-thermoplastic resin and investigated its fundamental mechanical properties. The authors also explored the impact of silane treatment on the SMC. The results showed that the tensile, flexural, and Izod impact strength significantly improved by up to 30%. These findings suggest that the enhanced interfacial properties due to silane treatment can substantially improve material properties. More intralayer damage propagation and cohesive interfacial failure were suggested as key mechanisms of interfacial treatment. This research provides novel insights for developing future high-performance, recyclable SMCs and offers a practical solution to the environmental challenges in the automotive industry.