EFFECT OF AUTOCLAVE PROCESS VARIABLES ON FILM ADHESIVE BOND WITH POLYCARBONATE ADHERENDS

摘要

This study investigates the effect of autoclave curing process variables on the bond strength between film adhesive and polycarbonate adherends. Bond strength is measured in terms of the tensile shear load transfer capacity (LTC). Studied variables include cure temperature, cure pressure and their respective rates as well as the duration of cure time. Test coupons are made of two layers' polycarbonate lexan adherends that are autoclave-bonded using aliphatic polyether film adhesive (Huntsman PE399). The relative significance of variables and variable combinations are investigated for their effect on the bond strength. Experimental test data shows interaction between autoclave variable cure temperature in combination with cure time, temp ramp rate and pressure ramp rate have significant effect on bond strength and failure mode.