INJECTION MOLDED LONG GLASS FIBRE POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITES FOR AUTOMOTIVE FRONT END CARRIER APPLICATIONS

摘要

The introduction of long-fibre reinforcements into the matrices of polymeric materials has lead to the development and introduction of many engineered solutions for applications which had once solely been the province of metal designs. The combination of long glass fibre with a highly economical and processable polymer such as polypropylene has significant advantages for both the designer, in terms of weight reduction, design flexibility, and cost savings, as well as to the moulder, in terms of efficiency and productivity. The utility of this polymeric solution is further enhanced when it can be combined with unique bonding materials to allow it to be bonded with metal for structural enhancement. This paper will review the development of a long glass fibre polypropylene polymer in concert with the development of a unique adhesive solution to form a polymer-metal hybrid solution. This utility and effectiveness of this solution will be demonstrated in the structural, modular application of an automotive front end carrier.