Role of Composite Materials in Automotive Sector: Potential Applications

In the 21stcentury, researchers have turned their attention towards composite materials (CMs) concerning lightweight applications in the automobile sector. Researchers have found a way to achieve better fuel efficiency by substituting conventional materials with novel variants. The history and state-of-the-art applications of composite materials in the automotive sector are presented. Material characteristics required for the substitution of composite materials over traditional automobile components are also discussed. The application of novel composite variants for automobiles offers significant advancements in material properties in terms of lightweight, cost, sustainability, and crashworthiness. Weight reduction in an automobile component exhibited by composite materials increased the fuel efficiency with reduced automobile emission. In addition, composite materials offered safety and comfort with improved vehicle performance due to the superior mechanical properties over conventional materials. Bio-composites comprised of natural material in metals and polymers have revealed a positive impact on environmental friendliness retaining its exceptional material properties for desired automotive application.