Inverse Hybrid Laminate for Lightweight Applications

Because of their high specific stiffness and strength, fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) are preferred lightweight materials. Recent developments show a growing industrial interest in the integration of thermoplastic FRP in complex structures for high volumes. However, there are still shortcomings for these materials concerning the insufficient energy absorption in case of failure and the limited opportunities available for the assembly with other components. Improvements in the crash performance can be achieved for instance with the selective reinforcement of the FRP structure with ductile metallic inserts. The present study shows the inter laminar shear strength and scanning electron microscope (SEM) samples of a novel load optimized hybrid composite consisting of a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic matrix, in which a metal core is integrated.