Mechanical behaviour of textile-reinforced thermoplastics with integrated sensor network components

The embedding of sensor networks into textile-reinforced thermoplastics enables the design of function-integrative lightweight components suitable for high volume production. In order to investigate the mechanical behaviour of such functionalised composites, two types of bus systems are selected as exemplary components of sensor networks. These elements are embedded into glass fibre–reinforced polypropylene (GF/PP) during the layup process of unconsolidated weft-knitted GF/PP-preforms. Two fibre orientations are considered and orthotropic composite plates are manufactured by hot pressing technology. Micrograph investigations and computer tomography analyses show different interface qualities between the thermoplastic composite and the two types of bus systems. Mechanical tests under tensile and flexural loading indicate a significant influence of the embedded bus system elements on the structural stiffness and strength.

► Consideration of two types of integrated bus systems for textile-reinforced thermoplastics with embedded sensor networks.
► Specimens with bus systems made of flexible printed circuit boards show good mechanical performance compared to the reference.
► Inhomogeneous interface and reduced stiffnesses and strengths for specimens with bus systems basing on single copper wires.