K-Mtech 2023

Fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) are in line with the market trend: their excellent ratio of stability to weight

makes them indispensable for use in motor sports, aeronautics and large series, such as mass transport

and automotive applications. In addition to the costs, various other obstacles associated with the nature

of the material itself also have to be overcome, such as acoustic properties, fragmentation and impact

behavior. To avoid these disadvantages, Gummiwerk KRAIBURG developed KRAIBON® for industrial lightweight

construction. The material consists of non cross-linked rubber foils, which can be directly integrated into

existing manufacturing processes. KRAIBON® can be processed like prepreg, or pre-impregnated

composite fibers; in the joint hardening process they produce an excellent bond with fiber reinforced

plastics (CFRP, GFRP, SMC, etc.) and with metals. An essential characteristic of FRP is the high component stability in relation to

the weight, which however.

 

results in low damping behavior and poor acoustic properties compared to conventional materials.

KRAIBON® significantly improves the acoustic properties of FRP components: direct integration in the

composition enables outstanding structure-borne sound attenuation of up to 20 dB with only very little

additional weight. In addition, the weight reduction of about 2.5 kg/m² holds high innovation potential

for manufacturers of indoor panels and floor tiles, for example. Another important application for KRAIBON®

is impact protection for components. Fiber reinforced.

 

plastics feature a polymer matrix that allows fixed and protected fibers to absorb the forces that occur.

This works very well in the direction of the fiber orientation, but in transverse direction the structure can

break down relatively quickly. By integrating KRAIBON® into the material, components can withstand

100-300% higher impact energies. This allows either higher damage tolerances and therefore a longer life

or cost-effective production of a lighter component that delivers the same performance.Another disadvantage of FRP is its

unfavorable  fragmentation behavior – which is especially dubious in the case of passenger protection: in the event of a collision,

normal CFRP components tend to  break and shatter into many tiny pieces. The integration of KRAIBON® substantially improves the safety of the

component. The elastomer layer is flexible  and its excellent bonding holds the component together much better, thus minimizing fragmentation.

 

KRAIBON® also enables a new level of quality in the hybrid combination of materials, such as metal and

carbon. KRAIBON® functions in this case as a “glue” between the two materials. While conventional

adhesives do not equalize the different expansion properties of metal and carbon when the component

heats up, KRAIBON® compensates for these differences to create excellent adhesion on both sides.

Another advantage is the electrical insulating property between the two materials, which prevents

corrosion.

 

In conclusion, the new product is a truly flexible material with huge potential. It enables the exploration

of new fields of application and therefore the improvement of products in order to gain a competitive

edge.

 

- KRAIBON can apply bonding between steel body and composites.

- KRAIBON can apply between composite and composite.