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

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.

Automated summary

Composite multi-material structures in the automotive industry help reduce the weight of structural elements, save energy, and lower emissivity of toxic gases. Innovative combination of mechanical fit and adhesive improves adhesion between metal insert and fiber-reinforced plastic. The proposed structure shows advantages in mass production of high-stiffness, load-bearing capacity products.