Bio-Based and Renewable Filler Materials for Thermoset Compounds

Abstract

Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) was developed in the 1960s and initially enabled the production of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite (GFRPC) in mass production. Nowadays, both material and process are well established for the production of semi-structural components in various applications from construction industry to automotive components. Currently, approximately 20% of all glass fibers produced in Europe are processed to SMC. In this paper, the use of renewable filler materials in SMC is described. By using those alternative fillers, a density reduction of 20%, while maintaining same processability and mechanical properties of SMC, can be achieved.