자동차용 비철재료의 개발동향

초록

The weight reduction of automobile is the most effective way of satisfying world wide emission regulations, such as CAFE in USA. There have been tremendous efforts to replace steel body with light weight materials to improve dynamic performance of vehicles as well as fuel economy. In thes paper, trends in development of light materials for automobiles is reviewed with particular respect to the metallic materials such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium as well as metal matrix composites in terms of history of development and application for automobiles. Application of these materials are driven by the fuel economy and environmental regulation. In addition to the improved properties, such requirements as stable supply, the reliability of design and manufacture, and recyclability should be met for the wide use of these alternative materials. Although the research activities aimed at applications of these materials are active in Korea, the level of usage and development are sill in the early stage, thus continuing R&D and much investment are needed.