Aston Martin joins INEGI in study to improve impact resistance in automobiles by combining composites and structural adhesives
09-06-2020
The integration of composite materials and structural adhesives in automobiles has many advantages from the point of view of weight and efficiency. However, the behavior of these components together is not yet fully known and several questions arise: do adhesives alter the properties of composites? Is it possible to predict the behavior of these materials and thus create more resistant cars?
A group of INEGI researchers is focusing on these very questions and, to answer them, is studying the union of composite materials through structural adhesives.
With the collaboration of the car manufacturer Aston Martin, who participates as a consultant, the team wants this work to be the basis for the creation of new methods and design changes to improve the resistance of automotive components to impact.
Adhesives weaken composites, but there is a solution
Scientifically pioneering, this investigation has already resulted in a patent application that accomplishes this. Having concluded that structural adhesives often cause delamination (separation of layers) from composites, the team developed an “optimized configuration for bonding with structural adhesives", says Eduardo Marques, responsible for the project at INEGI.
The innovation is in the development of a modified epoxy resin, “a highly ductile and tenacious material, used to coat the composite and thus increase its capacity to withstand high loads without losing cohesion", he explains.
"An important development for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries, where composite materials are used extensively in bonded structures and the problem of delamination is a major challenge," he adds.
Materials study is essential for greener industry
The goal is transversal across the industry: to significantly reduce the structural weight of vehicles in order to reduce efficiency and CO2 emissions. This weight reduction, however, requires the use of multiple lightweight materials, difficult to assemble using traditional joining methods, such as welding or riveting. Adhesive bonding techniques are the alternative, being ideal for joining different materials and creating rigid and secure structures at low cost.
Obtaining a clear view of the properties of adhesives in contact with new composite materials is therefore “an important advance for the automotive industry”, says Eduardo Marques.
The project extends until 2021, and the team will also contemplate the study of adhesives and composites in various thermal conditions. The goal is to know and be able to predict the behavior of materials, since manufacturers have to ensure that automotive components respond adequately to any temperature between -30° C and 80° C.
The “Design methodology for impact resistant bonded multi-material automotive structures - ImpactBondDesign” project is financed by ERDF funds under the COMPETE 2020 program and by national funds through FCT.
A group of INEGI researchers is focusing on these very questions and, to answer them, is studying the union of composite materials through structural adhesives.
With the collaboration of the car manufacturer Aston Martin, who participates as a consultant, the team wants this work to be the basis for the creation of new methods and design changes to improve the resistance of automotive components to impact.
Adhesives weaken composites, but there is a solution
Scientifically pioneering, this investigation has already resulted in a patent application that accomplishes this. Having concluded that structural adhesives often cause delamination (separation of layers) from composites, the team developed an “optimized configuration for bonding with structural adhesives", says Eduardo Marques, responsible for the project at INEGI.
The innovation is in the development of a modified epoxy resin, “a highly ductile and tenacious material, used to coat the composite and thus increase its capacity to withstand high loads without losing cohesion", he explains.
"An important development for applications in the automotive and aerospace industries, where composite materials are used extensively in bonded structures and the problem of delamination is a major challenge," he adds.
Materials study is essential for greener industry
The goal is transversal across the industry: to significantly reduce the structural weight of vehicles in order to reduce efficiency and CO2 emissions. This weight reduction, however, requires the use of multiple lightweight materials, difficult to assemble using traditional joining methods, such as welding or riveting. Adhesive bonding techniques are the alternative, being ideal for joining different materials and creating rigid and secure structures at low cost.
Obtaining a clear view of the properties of adhesives in contact with new composite materials is therefore “an important advance for the automotive industry”, says Eduardo Marques.
The project extends until 2021, and the team will also contemplate the study of adhesives and composites in various thermal conditions. The goal is to know and be able to predict the behavior of materials, since manufacturers have to ensure that automotive components respond adequately to any temperature between -30° C and 80° C.
The “Design methodology for impact resistant bonded multi-material automotive structures - ImpactBondDesign” project is financed by ERDF funds under the COMPETE 2020 program and by national funds through FCT.
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