Comparison of the flow and rheological behavior of two semi-structural sheet-molding-compound (SMC) based on a hybrid resin and glass or carbon fibers

For a realistic process simulation of sheet molding compound (SMC), comprehensive and reliable viscosity data are essential. As the mean fiber-length in SMC is similar to the sample size of shear rheometers, an alternative rheology tool and method was developed. Therefore, a molding tool for the compression molding process was equipped with pressure sensors. By means of this tool, the pressure distribution was measured and thus the rheological …