Lightweight Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite for Automotive Bumper Applications: A Review

The enhancement of fuel economy and the emission of greenhouse gases are the key growing challenges around the globe that drive automobile manufacturers to produce lightweight vehicles. Additionally, the reduction in the weight of the vehicle could contribute to its recyclability and performance (for example crashworthiness and impact resistance). One of the strategies is to develop high-performance lightweight materials by the replacement of conventional materials such as steel and cast iron with lightweight materials. The lightweight composite which is commonly referred to as fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) composite is one of the lightweight materials to achieve fuel efficiency and the reduction of CO2 emission. However, the damage of FRP composite under impact loading is one of the critical factors which affects its structural application. The bumper beam plays a key role in bearing sudden impact during a collision. Polymer composite materials have been abundantly used in a variety of applications such as transportation industries. The main thrust of the present paper deals with the use of high-strength glass fibers as the reinforcing member in the polymer composite to develop a car bumper beam. The mechanical performance and manufacturing techniques are discussed. Based on the literature studies, glass fiber-reinforced composite (GRP) provides more promise in the automotive industry compared to conventional materials such as car bumper beams.

Automated summary

The production of lightweight vehicles is driven by the global challenges of fuel economy enhancement and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Lightweight materials, such as fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) composites, are being developed to replace conventional materials like steel and cast iron to achieve fuel efficiency and CO2 emission reduction. However, the damage of FRP composites under impact loading is a critical factor that affects their structural application. This paper focuses on the use of high-strength glass fibers as the reinforcing member to develop a car bumper beam, discussing its mechanical performance and manufacturing techniques. Based on literature studies, glass fiber-reinforced composite (GRP) shows more promise in the automotive industry compared to conventional car bumper beams.