Concepts for interface engineering and characterization in composite hybrid structures

Abstract

Multi-material design is a key technology for lightweight design and calls for combining different materials such as steels, light metals and composites like carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) into load-bearing structures. Due to the minor chemical affinity of such materials and contact corrosion aspects, the design of an appropriate interface is a current challenge. Aiming on highly performant single-stage manufacturing processes, the paper presents investigations on several surface treatment techniques like a laser pretreatment, the use of primers and a sol-gel coating. Beside investigations on the achievable joint strengths, the corresponding joining concepts to facilitate the in-mould assembly of hybrid structures are validated. In this case the intrinsic manufacturing methods of the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) and the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology are presented. Furthermore corrosion protection measures for CFRP and aluminum are analyzed via immersion and salt spray tests.