Rheometry of compression moulded fibre-reinforced polymer composites: Rheology, compressibility, and friction forces with mould surfaces

Compression moulded preimpregnated polymer-matrix composites are often porous materials. Rheological studies usually neglect their subsequent compressible complex flow behaviour, together with mould-composite friction effects. Therefore the proposed method, including a newly developed compression rheometer, allows the rheology and the compressibility of such materials together with the mould-composite friction phenomena to be characterised without taking into account a priori assumptions on both the rheology of the composite and the form of the friction law. Its validity and usefulness for improving the interpretation of rheological results is demonstrated using a modelling plastic paste and an industrial Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) during lubricated (or not) compression tests performed at low or high temperatures.