Grit-Blast/Silane (GBS) Aluminum Surface Preparation for Structural Adhesive Bonding

摘要

A silane surface preparation for on-aircraft adhesive bonding of aluminum, known as the grit-blast/silane (GBS) process, has been optimized. It consists of abrasion using 3M Company Scotch-Brite(R) pads, aluminum oxide grit blast, and application of an epoxy-functional organosilane coupling agent hydrolyzed in water. The surface preparation has advantages for on-aircraft repair since it does not require the use of acids.