Study on the interface bond strength of DP780 steel/CFRP composite laminate based on hot-press curing integration

The metal and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) hybrid parts are increasingly used in automobile industry to meet the demand for vehicle weight reduction. The interface bond strength between metal and CFRP is the key to the part properties. The effects of different surface treatments on the interface bond strength of DP780 Steel/CFRP composite laminate based on hot-press curing integration were studied. Single lap test and single-leg bending (SLB) test were used to characterize the interface bond strength of the hybrid composite laminate. Interface failure mechanism was analyzed through surface roughness, fracture mode and fracture morphology. The experimental results showed that the steel surface treated by laser exhibited the highest surface roughness and the greatest surface energy in contrast to other surface treatments, such as degreasing, acid corrosion and grinding. The single lap test results showed that the laser-treated specimen had the maximum interface bond strength and there were a lot of fibers residues on the steel fracture surface. In SLB tests, there was no gap between the laser-treated steel and CFRP interface. The interface was bonded finely, which greatly improved the interface bond strength.