EFFECT OF SURFACE PREPARATION ON THE SHEAR STRENGTH OF ALUMINIUM ALLOY ADHESIVE SINGLE-LAP JOINTS

Abstract

Surface preparation for adhesive bonding is crucial for optimum bonding performance and has a major impact on the quality and durability of bonded joints. The effects of two different mechanical surface preparations (with Scotch-Brite abrasive pad and P180 sandpaper) on the strength properties of bonded joints were investigated. The prepared surface of aluminium alloy AW 5754 was characterized based on surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rz), wettability and mechanical properties (tensile lap-shear strength). Adhesively bonded single-lap joints were produced, and fracture surfaces were observed. It was found that the bonded joints of aluminium alloy AW 5754 had different strengths based on the surface preparation method and adhesive utilized. This indicates that joining aluminium alloys using the same adhesive and different surface preparations results in significant differences in the strength of bonded joints.