TPRC study considers hybrid epoxy-LMPAEK composite co-cured joints
Research looks to co-curing approach as an alternative to directly connect thermoplastic and thermoset composite configurations without intermediates like rivets or adhesives.
Source | TPRC
ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC, Enschede, Netherlands) Ph.D. researcher Liran Katz recently published a scientific paper about joining thermoplastic to thermoset composites (TPC, TSC). The paper was published in the Composites Part B Engineering journal and is titled “Hybrid epoxy-LMPAEK composite co-cured joints: A study on UVO pretreatment and its effect on interlaminar toughness.”
Manufacturing complex composite structures often requires joining dissimilar materials, which is traditionally achieved using intermediates such as rivets or adhesives. An interesting alternative approach is to join TPC directly to TSC without an intermediator through a so-called co-curing approach. Co-curing offers a direct connection without intermediates, potentially yielding improved mechanical properties in demanding applications at lower cost and weight.
In this study, Katz investigated a method for improving the bonding between LMPAEK (supplied by Victrex, Cleveleys,, U.K.) and a carbon fiber/epoxy TSC. LMPAEK is known for its optimal thermal and mechanical properties, but its chemically inert surface makes it difficult to bond effectively with other materials. To overcome this challenge, Katz used ultraviolet ozone (UVO) irradiation as a surface treatment method. The UVO treatment modified the surface chemistry of LMPAEK, increasing its surface reactivity and making it more capable of forming strong interactions with epoxy during the co-curing process.
To better understand how bonding occurs, he examined LMPAEK samples with different microstructures and levels of surface roughness. This enabled him to identify the main adhesion mechanisms responsible for the interface strength, including chemical bonding and physical interlocking effects. The findings show that carefully optimized UVO pretreatment can significantly improve the adhesion between carbon fiber-reinforced LMPAEK and carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composites, leading to the formation of strong and reliable bonded interfaces.
The article is co-written by Nick Helthuis (UT), Vanessa Marinosci (TPRC), Ton Bor (UT) and promoted by Remko Akkerman (TPRC/UT).
The full paper is available for download here.
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