Optimization of Injection Molding Process for Mechanical Properties of Short Glass Fiber and Polytetrafluoroethylene Reinforced Polycarbonate Composites: A Case Study

Abstract

This study analyzes the mechanical properties of polycarbonate (PC) reinforced with 20% short glass fiber (SGF) and 6% polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is applied to the bottom cover of the reader body. The specimens were prepared under different injection molding conditions, by varying the filling time, melt temperature, mold temperature, and packing pressure using the gray relational analysis method. Plans of experiments via nine experimental runs are based on the orthogonal arrays to determine the optimum factor level condition. The mechanical properties of the Young’s module, ultimate stress, and strain variation are adopted as the quality targets. From the analysis of gray relational grade matrix, the most influential process factor and the most easily influenced mechanical property can be picked. The melt temperature is found to be the most influenced factor in the Young’s module, ultimate stress, and strain for the injection molding process in this study.