Abstract
This work investigates the potential of producing lightweight smart automotive panels by combining sheet metal with shape memory polymers (SMPs). An aluminium-SMP hybrid material was manufactured by injection molding and shape recovery tests show that the hybrid samples recovered on average 97% of their original shape when subjected to 5%, 10% and 15% flexural strain. There is however a conflict between the temperature profiles required for the "shape memory creation process" and that of an automotive collision. Further work is required to optimize the shape memory effect in the polymer component to make a suitable automotive product.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | EUROTECH 2013 |
Publisher | Society of Plastics Engineers |
Pages | 295-299 |
Number of pages | 5 |
ISBN (Print) | 978-163266532-4 |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |