• Composites Research
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2023

Demand for energy consumption reduction is increasing according to the development expectations of future mobility. Lightweight structural materials are known as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. In particular, fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRP) is attracting attention as a material that can replace existing metal alloys due to its excellent mechanical properties and light weight. In this paper, industrial applications and research trends of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP, carbon FRP) and self-reinforced composites (SRC) were reviewed based on the reinforcement, polymer matrix, and manufacturing process. In order to overcome the expensive process cost and long manufacturing time of the epoxy resin-based autoclave method, which is mainly used in the aircraft field, mass production of CFRP-applied electric vehicles has been reported using a high-pressure resin transfer molding process including fast-curing epoxy. In addition, thermoplastic resin-based CFRP and interface enhancement methods to solve the recycling issue of carbon fiber composites were reviewed in terms of materials and processes. To form a perfect matrix-reinforcement interface, which is known as the major factor inducing the excellent mechanical properties of FRP, studies on SRC impregnated with the same matrix in polymer fibers have been reported. The physical and mechanical properties of SRC based on various thermoplastic polymers were reviewed in terms of polymer orientation and composite structure. In addition, a copolymer matrix strategy for extending the processing window of highly drawn polypropylene fiber-based SRC was discussed. The application of CFRP and SRC as lightweight structural materials can provide potential options for improving the energy efficiency of future mobility.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.468-476
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• 2019

This paper presents the means of improving the strength of LTV's FRP structure for resolve and prevent quality problems. LTV secures enough kerb weight by applying FRP materials at hood and rear van assembly. However, because of FRP's inherent limitations, many initial quality problems such as crack at connections have occurred. Moreover, hood assy' is concerned about fall of endurance, because hood assy' have operated in abnormal condition. Therefore, this study executes lamination structure optimizations of FRP structure for improving bending strength. As a results, hood and rear van's bending strength at connections is improved 8.1 times and 1.5 times, respectively. Also hood assy's plate secures endurance life and improve 1.7 times of critical load about abnormal operating conditions through 1.4 times improvement of bending strength.