Composite Metals In the Mix?

Automobile shredder operators would probably argue that they face a difficult task as it is sorting through the variety of materials used to build the average vehicle.

In the future, the task could be made even more difficult if researchers at DaimlerChrysler, Auburn Hills, Mich., are successful in developing composite materials made from fused metal and plastic.

According to an article in the company’s HighTech Report, “Researchers at DaimlerChrysler . . . are taking a close look at hybrid materials consisting of thin, high-strength metal profiles and thermoplastics.”

The article quotes company researcher Klaus-Erik Schmid as saying components potentially made from such material could include “plastic holding devices, screw-down points, component casings and cable and air ducts.”

The process used to create such parts is referred to as “back injection” and described as “injecting plastic into the tool mold [so] a composite is formed in which the plastic closely surrounds the steel sheets.”

The goal is to have hybrid materials that are both 20 percent lighter and 20 percent cheaper than all-metal components. Such materials may include sheet steel shapes with light plastic cross ribs.

There is no mention in the HighTech Report article regarding the recycling implications of such hybrid materials.