Impact properties of multilayered materials

Abstract
The possibilities of multilayered materials as high impact resistance materials are considered with reference to safety in transportation. The mechanism of fracture of the different layers of the material produces an enhancement of the impact resistance behavior and, as a consequence, a lower quantity of material is needed with the corresponding saving in weight of the transport vehicle. The reinforcing material of this multilayered composite are steel sheets. The sheets, two or more, are dipped in molten zinc and pressed together during the withdrawal. The still molten zinc outside of the surface of the sheets, i.e, between the different sheets, solidifies and all the sheets with the solidified zinc forms the composite where the zinc is as a glue. The adherence of this composite is very good because of the metallurgical bond between the steel sheets and the zinc. Also, the composite presents a very good behavior from the point of view of the corrosion resistance because the cathodic protection of zinc. That means the material may be safely used during the whole life time of the vehicle or equipment. Some tests concerning the impact resistance and the corrosion resistance are presented and discussed. Applications in vehicles, containers and highway guard rails are considered the most promising.