The Application of Advanced Surface Preparation Methods in the Adhesive Bonding Process

Abstract

: An important part in the process of adhesive bonding is played by the appropriate preparation of surfaces to be subjected to adhesive bonding. The ob-jective of the tests discussed in the article was to identify the effect of various surface preparation methods, including cleaning, grinding, atmospheric plasma treatment and the ATOP method on the strength of adhesive-bonded joints. The tests involved the use of specimens made of aluminium alloy EN AW 5754 as well as specimens made of glass fibre-reinforced epoxy-based plastics. The specimens were subjected to overlap adhesive bonding involving the use of Araldite two-component epoxy adhesive (Huntsman). The article presents results of the static shear test (of the overlap joints) in relation to a given surface preparation method applied before the adhesive bonding process. The highest strength of the adhesive-bonded joints made in the aluminium alloy was obtained in relation to the ATOP method-based treatment. In addition, the above-named method makes it possible to properly prepare a cleaned surface by forming a protective layer ensuring proper surface preparation for several months. In turn, the highest strength of the adhesive-bonded joints made of glass fibre-reinforced plastics was obtained in relation to the surface treatment performed using atmospheric plasma.