• Composites Research
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.403-407
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• 2019

Long-fiber-reinforced composites have the advantages of cost-competitiveness and high degree of freedom of molding compared to continuous-fiber-reinforced composites. On the other hand, it is difficult to ensure uniform characteristics due to the randomly distributed fiber orientation incurred from the process of manufacturing intermediate materials. In this study, the effect of the directionality of LFPS (Long Fiber Prepreg Sheet) materials on the mechanical properties was analyzed. The eddy current measurement method was used to analyze fiber orientations, and tensile and compression tests on LFPS materials were performed according to ASTM standards. In addition, the test results and theoretical values of LFPS materials were verified using the ROM (rule-of-mixtures) theory. These results confirmed the effect of fiber orientation on mechanical properties of discontinuous-fiber-reinforced composites.

• Composites Research
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.17-22
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• 2018

Long Fiber Prepreg Sheet (LFPS) has the advantages of excellent production efficiency and formability for complex shapes compared to conventional continuous fiber reinforced composites. When fibrous composites are used with different materials, joining method is important because strength of the joining part determines the strength of the hybrid structure. In this study, the adhesive joint strengths of co-cured LFPS and aluminum were evaluated under various surface treatment conditions and environmental conditions (temperature and moisture conditions). Mechanical abrasion and plasma exposure were used for the surface treatment. The adhesive joints experienced various surface treatments were tested by using single lap joint specimens. Adhesive strengths under various conditions were compared and the most appropriate condition was determined.

• Composites Research
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.65-70
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• 2017

Carbon fiber reinforced composites have light weight and high mechanical properties. These materials are only applicable in limited shape structure cause by complex curing process and low drapability. To solve this problem, Long Fiber Prepreg Sheet (LFPS) has been proposed. In this research, electric device cover plate was selected and designed by using LFPS. Before the design process, we analyzed the target structure to which the rib structures were applied. And 8-inch tablet PC product was selected. For FE analysis, simple loading and boundary conditions were applied. Stiffness of rib structure was investigated according to the rib pattern and shape changes. Rib pattern and shape were selected based on fixed volume condition analysis results. And uneven rib width model was selected for the best case whose deflection was reduced 6~10% than uniform rib model.

• Composites Research
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.139-144
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• 2018

Long Fiber-reinforced composites have advantages of excellent production efficiency and formability of complex shapes compared to conventional continuous fiber reinforced composite materials. However, if we need to make complicated composite shapes or to assemble parts made of different materials, a variety of joining methods are needed. In general, long fiber prepreg sheet (LFPS) contains mold release agent to facilitate demolding after thermoforming. Therefore, mechanical fastening is required in addition to the adhesive bonding to get proper joining strength. In this study, we proposed a stainless steel insert for co-cure bonding which cures LFPS and bonds the stainless steel insert through thermoforming process. The wing of the insert which is spread during the thermoforming process induces adhesion and mechanical wedging effect and serves as a hook to resist the pulling force. The burn-out method was used to confirm the unfolded state of the stainless steel insert wings inserted into the composite material. The static pull-out test was performed to quantitatively evaluate the joining strength. From these experimental results, the condition which guarantees the most appropriate joining strength was derived.