Inverse Fiber Reinforced Polymer/Metal-Hybrid Laminates for Structural Lightweight Applications

Tomasz Osiecki,Robert E Przekop,Zbigniew Oksiuta,Tristan Timmel,Marek Jałbrzykowski

doi:10.3390/cryst11111374

Abstract

Composite multi-material structures for the automotive industry are another step forward. This is because they contribute to a significant reduction in the weight of structural elements, and thus to energy savings and, consequently, lower emissivity of toxic gases. The paper presents research on a new multi-material system made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (FRP) combined with metal elements. To improve the adhesion between the metal insert and the fiber-reinforced plastic, an innovative combination of mechanical fit and adhesive was used. As a result, a targeted use of the excellent mechanical properties of the proposed structure was achieved. Additionally, the proposed method shows advantages in mass production processes of mass-optimized products with high stiffness and load-bearing capacity. The paper presents the results of a new material bending test.

Highlights

From scientific research reports and literature data it is well known that there is a need for new composite materials with good mechanical properties, high lightweight potential, and feasible stiffness-to-weight ratios for application in many industrial applications, especially in the automotive industry.One solution is the combination of different materials to Fiber Metal Laminates (FMLs) [1,2]
FML is a material that consists of a combination of metal layer spacers and fiber-reinforced plastic layers [3]
To improve the generally understood properties of thermoplastic-based hybrid laminates, the main goal of this research work was to estimate mechanical properties of inverse hybrid laminates (IHL) with various fibers’ orientation and type, in order to ensure their appropriate usage for structural lightweight application in car production

Summary

Introduction

From scientific research reports and literature data it is well known that there is a need for new composite materials with good mechanical properties, high lightweight potential, and feasible stiffness-to-weight ratios for application in many industrial applications, especially in the automotive industry. To improve the generally understood properties of thermoplastic-based hybrid laminates, the main goal of this research work was to estimate mechanical properties of inverse hybrid laminates (IHL) with various fibers’ orientation and type, in order to ensure their appropriate usage for structural lightweight application in car production. In addition to their relatively short process time, thermoplastic-based inverse FRP/M-hybrid laminates, in comparison with commercially available thermoset-based composites, have greater degrees of deformation, favorable attenuation properties, a higher damage tolerance, and outstanding properties in terms of impact and fatigue resistance. The inverse hybrid composite materials prepared in this work were investigated by means of three-point bending (3-PB) test and the specimens’ fracture surface were observed by means of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Materials and Methods

Findings

Conclusions