Carbon fibre-reinforced polydicyclopentadiene composites for automobile applications

In this study, two types of carbon fibre (CF)-reinforced polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) composites were prepared using CF powder and cloth. The effects of the CF content and curing temperature on the mechanical properties of PDCPD were investigated, and the reinforcement mechanisms were explored from a microstructural perspective. CF cloth-reinforced PDCPD achieved a tensile strength of 405 MPa and bending strength of 213 MPa, which were higher than those of CF powder-reinforced PDCPD. Based on the results, PDCPD composites reinforced with CF powder can be used in automotive exterior trims, whereas PDCPD composites prepared using CF cloth can be used in load-bearing parts of automobiles.