An important goal of modern material science is to overcome the restrictions and limitations of homogeneous and monolithic materials. This is often achieved by combining various materials to hybrids for example in fibre-metal-laminates. As the interface between metal and fibre-reinforced polymer is designed to transfer high loads, it is very difficult to separate or recycle fibre-metal laminates at the end of the component’s life cycle without decomposing the polymer matrix.  
One possible solution to this recycling problem is an additional layer of a thermoplastic material between the metal and the fibre-reinforced thermoset polymer which can be “deactivated” after the component’s life cycle.  This study shows the feasibility of processing such an activatable fibre-metal laminate. It considers in detail Aluminium (AlMg3) combined  with a thin layer of thermoplastic sheet (polypropylene or polystyrene) and a carbon fibre reinforced epoxy.
To increase the adhesion to the thermoplastic layer via undercuts and increasing the surface, the metal sheet is pre-treated using a Nd:YVO₄ laser (30 W, MOPA) before different materials are combined via hot-pressing.
Mechanical performance of the interface is characterized with a specially designed shear edge testing device and a Zwick universal testing machine. SEM images of the metal sheet, before and after the test, enable to have a closer look at the interface and to assess the quality of impregnation of the thermoplastic polymer on the metal surface.  After comparison of shear properties of specimens with and without additional thermoplastic sheet, de-hybridisation is realised by heating the fibre-metal laminate.  
It can be shown that activatable fibre-metal laminates can be manufactured by laser pre-treatment and hot pressing. Material combination and laser parameters have a significant influence on the interlaminar shear strength of the fibre-metal laminate. By using heat, a de-hybridisation assisting the recycling process after usage is feasible.