Parametric evaluation of communication devices in smart composite structures

This paper reports on some of the rheological results of the selected composite materials. The base material components comprise unsaturated polyester (uPE) reinforced with randomly distributed short strands of fibreglass (E type). This material is commonly known as sheet moulding compound (SMC) and is currently used in the automotive industry for different applications. This work will further look into t he parameters involved in the processing of the SMC with respect to its visco-elastic behaviour. These parameters involve viscosity, elastic and viscous modulus with respect to the processing temperature. This paper reports on some preliminary results of material processing parameters such as pressures, temperatures, cure times and volume fractions of resins, fillers and reinforcing materials. Also included is an evaluation of the electrical properties of different grades of SMC as a precursor to the encapsulation of a microstrip antenna within the material.