Surface and Fracture Surface Analysis of Thermally Bonded Metal/FRP Joints

Abstract

The increasing implementation of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) leads to a broad utilization of metal/FRP joints. The examination of adhesively bonded metal/FRP joints is focusing on the maximum joint strength and the surface pretreatment used to promote it. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the correlation is lacking. Along with the chemical condition of the surface (free chemical bonds, polarity, etc.) the surface morphology plays an important role. This study addresses the connection between the surface morphology and joint strength. The investigation of the surface morphology of the metallic joining area and the fractured surface of both joining partners by means of imaging and tactile methods and the results are presented.