Prior to processing, composite materials must be consolidated to allow the formation of a continuous polymer matrix phase and the removal of voids. The composite material studied in this research consists of continuous commingled glass and polypropylene rovings. The consolidation of this material as well as mats composed of unidirectional and woven glass rovings were studied using a specially designed tool mounted on a compression machine. Fiber volume fractions with and without polymer were measured as a function of compressive stress.
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