Sheet moulding compound (SMC) from carbon fibre recyclate

This study reports on the first attempt to develop a new sheet moulding compound (SMC) using low cost carbon fibre (CF) recyclate as the reinforcing component in place of conventional glass fibres. A newly designed manufacturing system allows large coarse recyclate fibrous materials to be utilised within existing SMC production lines, and with careful control of virgin and recyclate fibre distribution, a viable SMC grade utilising recycled CF can be obtained. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved