ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we discuss the mechanical properties of both discontinuous and continuous random fiber composites. The discontinuous fiber composites are the sheet molding compound composites, the chopped strand mat composites, and the injection molded composites. The matrix in the first two types of composites is a thermosetting resin, and they are processed by compression molding. The continuous fiber composites contain randomly oriented continuous strand mats in either a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin matrix and can be either compression molded or thermoformed.
