Sustainable composites for structural parts in automotive applications with focus on crashworthiness

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to investigate the performance of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composites for structural parts in automotive applications. Four different fabric types have been used in this study: UD basalt-based; UD flax; UD carbon; Flax/Basalt-based twill. Combining these different fabrics seven composite laminates were manufactured and tested. Tensile and bending tests were performed, and the specific stiffness and strength were measured. Hybrid laminates (UD Flax/UD basalt) showed a very promising result compared to other laminates.

Expected results and effects

Hybrid composite (UD flax/UD basalt) showed a good specific stiffness and specific strength which proves that more sustainable materials can be used as structural parts for the automotive industry. The results were presented as an oral presentation during one of the best European conferences, Comptest 2023 which was held in Girona between May 31- June 2. (Link to the conference: https://comptest2023.udg.edu/ ). All partners agreed to publish the obtained results in a scientific journal paper. The knowledge gained during this project will be used to apply for new research projects.

Planned approach and implementation

Suitable materials were selected, and seven composite laminates were manufactured. All plates were manufactured through vacuum infusion process with a two-component epoxy as resin. The selected materials were ordered by Gestamp and the manufacturing was done by LTU. The volume fraction was measured, and samples were prepared for testing. Tensile tests and 3-point bending tests were performed by LiU. Analytical calculations and numerical simulations are used by LTU to predict elastic properties. A comparison between the experimental and the numerical results was performed.