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

Reference number
Coordinator Linköpings universitet - Linköpings tekniska högskola Inst f ekon & industruell utv IEI
Funding from Vinnova SEK 500 000
Project duration April 2022 - June 2023
Status Completed
Venture FFI - Sustainable Production
End-of-project report 2021-05072engelska.pdf (pdf, 478 kB)

Important results from the project

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 long term 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.

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.

The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.

Last updated 8 December 2023

Reference number 2021-05072