Characterization of fourth-generation high-temperature discontinuous fiber molding compounds

Thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of discontinuous fiber molding compounds incorporating fourth-generation high temperature matrices and T650-35 carbon fiber were characterized as a function of matrix chemistry. These new, lower cost structural materials provide an alternative to traditional wet lay-up prepreg materials with out-of-autoclave processability, no volatile evolution during cure, and no toxicity. Measured maximum properties include a glass transition temperature of 456°C, flexural strength of 376 MPa, compression strength up to 236 MPa, compression modulus up to 30 GPa, and short beam shear strength of ∼50 MPa. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.