Bonding composite thermoplastics and aluminium without the need for structural adhesives
‘PB Apps’ (PowderBond Applications)’, was funded by the Niche Vehicle Network, under APC UK(Advanced Propulsion Centre UK), in collaboration with Stalcom Automotive Technologies Ltd.
Proof of PowderBond concept by testing across a variety of structural joint configurations
Powdertech’s PowderBond system creates very strong bonds between metal and polypropylene or other plastics with no need for adhesives or composite surface treatment.
Combining composite thermoplastics with aluminium in hybrid material structures, delivers significant cost, weight and environmental benefits, but the process needs new joining techniques.
Previously the patented PowderBond process was developed and showed its potential for application in vehicle structure systems.
PowderBond in vehicle structural joints
PB Apps will prove the performance of PowderBond in a variety of vehicle structural joint configurations, at the extreme automotive environmental conditions.
The project will output a large variety of data with sample joints that will inform design engineers and customers and allow them to adopt this process and consequently this type of lightweight construction. A demonstration eco-vehicle structure will be produced, the chassis of which was recently exhibited at Cenex 2019, shown below.
Data to be collected
PB Apps will further test the PowderBond technology, in particular:
Joint configurations and geometry
Joint strength and characterisation
Ambient as built
At automotive temperature service range
After accelerated environmental exposur
Moulding and assembly techniques
This project moves the PowderBond joining technique closer to adoption in structural applications. Its game-changing joint strength was a development from the previous SOLMAC Project.
Project partners:
Niche Vehicle Network, Stalcom Automotive Technologies