Investigation of Polymer Matrix Composites in Automotive Consoles

Abstract

Research on reducing the weights of automobiles, achieving fuel consumption and reducing harmful exhaust emissions focuses on the investigation of new materials. Polymer matrix is the most commonly used material with respect to composite applications within the scope of abovementioned research domain. Since polymer materials are inexpensive and have improved physical and mechanical properties, they are used as a substitution to metallic materials in several applications. The front barrier of a car made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite is capable of succeeding a crash test of 35-mph.  Besides providing a similar level of crash security as steel, polymer composites are also capable of providing improved performance with features such as vibration control. The use of polymer materials in the interior and exterior design of automobiles increases each day.  Polymer materials are preferred for various car parts, such as consoles, door baffle boards, floor mats, air conditioning pipes and grids etc. The present study focuses on the analysis of the mechanical properties of polypropylene used in front consoles of the vehicles. In this respect, front consoles of various automobile models, which were made of polypropylene, were analyzed.