THE INFLUENCE OF AN AIR-PLASMA SURFACE TREATMENT ON ADHESION TO THERMOPLASTICS. COMPOSITES AND METALS OF EPOXY ADHESIVES

摘要

Untreated surfaces of thermoplastics, thermosets and metals can be difficult to bond due to factors including low surface energy, contamination with dirt or grease, or the migration of processing aids. With the increased usage of polyolefins and composites in the automotive and transportation industries and the apparent desire amongst manufacturers for minimal surface preparation, the need for surface insensitive adhesives is increasing. The single lap shear bond strength of epoxide adhesives having a range of elastic moduli has been measured using a variety of substrates with an array of Young's Modulus to assess the effect of both the stiffness of the adhesive and the adherend on the level of adhesion. Initially substrates with no surface preparation were tested to determine the minimum level of adhesion achievable with the combination of adhesives and adherends. Secondly, the effect of treating the surfaces with atmospheric plasma was determined using the same combinations of adhesives and substrates.