Evaluation of Adhesion Improvement of a GFRP Treated with Atmospheric Plasma Torch

• Published in: The Journal of adhesion Vol. 91; no. 12; pp. 937 - 949
• Main Authors: Martinez, M. A., Velasco, F., Abenojar, J., Chiminelli, A., Breto, R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 02.12.2015
• Subjects: Adhesion pull-off test; Atmospheric plasma treatment; Composites; DCB test; Surface treatment by exited gases; Wetting
• ISSN: 0021-8464; 1563-518X; 1545-5823
• DOI: 10.1080/00218464.2014.976789

The applications (and repair) of glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites are increasing in different industries (wind turbines, boats, chassis of buses, etc.) due to specific strength and low cost. Their major disadvantage is the difficulty to shape complex components. This problem can be solved manufacturing different parts, being adhesively bonded afterwards. This work studies the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma torch compared to grit-blasting to improve adhesion. After surface treating different parts, the changes of wettability and surface energy were measured. Treated samples were bonded with polyurethane and epoxy adhesives, and the quality of the bond was evaluated using pull-off adhesion tests and fracture strength test under cleavage loads. Obtained results allow to select the most adequate treatment in terms of mechanical requirements.