Advanced Lightweight Structural Materials for Automobiles: Properties, Manipulation, and Perspective

The key drivers for automotive manufacturers to develop vehicles with decreased weight are the growing requirements for improved fuel efficiency. This endeavor not only tackles the issues related to fuel efficiency but also aligns with the objectives of enhanced recyclability and overall performance of the vehicle, encompassing factors like driving efficiency, braking characteristics, and collision safety. Herein, a successful strategy entails investigating and utilizing lightweight materials with superior performance as substitutes for conventional automotive materials such as cast iron and steel. This article provides a thorough analysis of the lightweight materials that are currently being researched and available for use in the production of next-generation cars. These materials include composites, light alloys, high-strength steel, and other innovative materials. The review covers all aspects of the life cycle of automotive materials, examining their mechanical and physical characteristics, production processes, characterization strategies, and their uses. Both the merits and limitations of these materials are analyzed, leading to a nuanced understanding of suitable scenarios for their application. In anticipation of future challenges, the study suggests that advancements in versatile materials or enhancements in manufacturing and treatment techniques hold promise for overcoming potential obstacles, ultimately facilitating the creation of more capable, safer, durable, and environmentally friendly vehicles.