CAPAAL and CAPET – New Materials of High-Strength, High-Stiff Hybrid Laminates

The natural resources available for national and international economic development are limited. A gentler and more efficient use of available energy and materials in all sectors is essential. In mobile applications in particular, in which large masses are moved and accelerated (e.g. automotive, railway, aircraft and in machinery and equipment), a consequent lightweight construction is necessary for a significant saving of energy.

The highest potential of lightweight constructions is in the field of fibre- and textile-fibre-reinforced composites. In some applications, a defined ductility is necessary. To achieve these requirements, high-strength and high-stiff carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) were combined with metal foils by means of hybrid laminates.

The focus of the current investigations is based on the development of hybrid laminates (CAPET and CAPAAL) which consist of metal foils (Ti- and Al-alloy foils) and layers of CFRP. By means of thermoplastic CFRP matrices (e.g. PA and PEEK), disadvantages of the thermosetting plastic matrix can be avoided. The excellent formability of the thermoplastic matrices should be named in particular. Within this contribution first results of the joint project will be presented.