Fabrication and mechanical properties of novel CFRP/Mg alloy hybrid laminates with enhanced interface adhesion

To enhance the interfacial and mechanical properties of magnesium alloy based fiber-metal laminates, a novel of AZ31B magnesium alloy-based hybrid fiber metal laminates (Mg-FMLs) bonded with Mg-Zn-Al eutectic alloy solder based on carbon fiber woven/polymer (epoxy resin) prepregs (CFRP) and AZ31B alloy sheets were prepared by using ultrasonic vibration assisted hot pressing technology. Interlaminar performance of the hybrid composite laminates was measured using double cantilever beam (DCB) and three-point end notched flexure (3ENF) tests. The interface morphologies and tensile behavior of the Mg-FMLs were evaluated. Results show that metallurgically-bonded interfaces have been formed in the Mg alloy-based hybrid FMLs. The present Mg-FMLs bonded with Mg alloy solder exhibit higher interlaminar and tensile performance than traditional Mg-FMLs bonded with epoxy resin. The enhanced tensile properties of the present Mg-FMLs can be attributed to the synergistic effect from the Mg alloy sheet and CFRP layer because of high interlaminar properties. For the same reason, the tensile fracture of the novel Mg-FMLs exhibits matrix and CFRP dominated mixed-mode failure. [Display omitted] •A novel of CFRP/Mg alloy hybrid laminates have been fabricated.•Interlaminar and tensile properties of the hybrid laminates were investigated.•Improved mechanical properties were achieved by using solder interlayer.•The CFRP/Mg laminates exhibits matrix and CFRP dominated mixed-mode failure.•There exists synergistic enhancement in Mg alloy sheet and CFRP composite layer.