Resin-free three-layered Ti/PMMA/Ti sandwich materials: adhesion and formability study

Abstract Multifunctionality and the demand for improving the properties of construction materials make it necessary to use hybrid systems, such as combinations of metals with polymers. In the following, “sandwich materials” are understood to be metal–polymer–metal sandwich sheets bonded together by adhesive layers. Their applications involve many topics; such as manufacturing methods, mechanical and thermal properties, working capacity, and of course an understanding of internal structure as well as the static, dynamic, or cyclic behavior in different applications. Joining different materials for specific applications is a challenge that has kept the scientists being busy for more than recent half century. The problem is to find the right way to combine dissimilar materials to a composite. In this chapter, a short theoretical background of composites used in the automotive industry is presented. Moreover, thermal and mechanical joining processes, fabricating processes and forming methods for composites are briefly introduced. Furthermore, a study of AISI SS316L /polypropylene copolymer/ AISI SS316L sandwich sheets, manufactured in a roll bonding process, is introduced. Their mechanical behavior and formability by deep drawing with and without using different local, embedded solid and mesh steel inlays are discussed.