摘要：

Thermoplastic matrix composites are of increasing interest due to their superior specific strengthand stiffness accompanied by enhanced toughness, impact resistance, and dampingcharacteristics when compared to thermoset composites and/or traditional metals such asaluminum and steel. Among the class of thermoplastic composites, long fiber thermoplastics(LFT) are finding increased use in the automotive and transportation sectors due to their superiorspecific strength and modulus, noise and vibration dampening, complex shape mold ability,superior weight savings, and tailoring of properties. A large amount of scrap is generated fromthe manufacture of thermoplastic composite broad goods such as glass/polypropylene (PP-GF)and truck trailers, where presently the scrap goes into landfill. With increasing emphasis inenergy efficiency and use of recycled materials, the scrap provides significant avenues forinnovations in design and processing with thermoplastic materials. Structural crashworthiness isof vital importance in the design of thermoplastic composite components for example inautomotive and transportation doors, bumpers, underbody and other components. This paperreports results on performance of recycled and virgin sources in terms of static tensile, flexureand dynamic low velocity impact (LVI) response. The work is of value for a range of sectorsincluding automotive and transportation applications.

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