Abstract:GMT-sheet is used in automobile bumper with high rigidity and strength, and its joining strength is influenced by lap length, one of the joined molding conditions. Fracture strength was calculated by dividing fracture load with cross-sectional area. Total five repeated measurements were made to obtain the average value. Tensile test was conducted at room temperature for 10 specimens. In addition, the effect of compression ratio on creep and tensile performance during lap joined molding was discussed. With increasing lap length, the lap joining efficiency of GMT-sheet was increased. However, higher compression ratio reduced the joining efficiency. Creep test on GMT-sheet showed abrupt fracture without tertiary creep. This can be explained by the weak thermal resistance of the resin. If GMT-sheet was exposed to high temperature for a long time, it was easily failed by external force.

Key words: GMT-sheet; randomly oriented composite; unidirectional oriented composite; compression ratio; lap joint