Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 July 2014
The aim of the present study is to analyze interfacial adhesion and characterize the tensile properties of a FML elaborated from thin layers of an aluminum alloy and layers of maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAHPP) reinforced with an aramid woven fabric. For the analysis of interfacial adhesion, a microbond test is carried out on the MAHPP-aramid fiber system and a single lap joint test is performed on FML constituent materials, as well as the tensile characterization of the FML and its constituents is conducted accordingly. Microbond testing revealed an improvement in interfacial shear strength for the MAHPP-aramid fiber system in comparison with that of polypropylene-aramid fiber systems reported in the literature. The apparent shear strength between the FML constituent materials is comparable to that for bonding of aluminum with MAHPP. Tensile characterization of the FML and its constituents showed that the FML presented greater tensile strength than the aluminum alloy; and a more ductile behavior in comparison with its individual components due to the degree of adhesion between the constituents which allows the material to deform in unison.