Effect of low-pressure plasma processing parameters on the surface topography of a CF/PEEK composite for adhesive bonding
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In recent decades, thermoplastic matrix fiber composites have become attractive for many modern aerospace structural applications. However, their adhesive bonding remains challenging, so it is essential to study surface pre-treatments to improve their potential for adhesive bonding. In this study, an aerospace-grade carbon fiber reinforced poly ether ether ketone composite, which was adhesively bonded with a structural epoxy-film adhesive, has been investigated. The composite adherends were pre-treated using low-pressure oxygen plasma across a range of processing parameters. The treated surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and contact angle analysis to characterize the surface topography, chemistry, and wettability of the composite after the different levels of treatment. A plasma treatment power of 180 W for a duration of 5 min was shown to provide the best results in surface characterization and single-lap-shear joint testing. Compared to the traditional thermosetting composites, a lower power or/and shorter duration of the plasma treatment was sufficient to achieve good adhesion for the thermoplastic composites. A nano-etching effect induced by relatively long treatment times was observed, which contributed to the formation of nano-grooves on the surface of the adherends without exposing fibers on the surfaces.
Date Issued
2024-08-20
Date Acceptance
2024-05-04
Citation
Polymer Composites, 2024, 45 (12), pp.11212-11222
ISSN
0272-8397
Publisher
Wiley
Start Page
11212
End Page
11222
Journal / Book Title
Polymer Composites
Volume
45
Issue
12
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Subjects
Materials Science
Materials Science, Composites
PERFORMANCE
Physical Sciences
Polymer Science
Science & Technology
single-lap-shear
STRENGTH
surface treatment by excited gases
Technology
thermoplastic composites
wettability
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2024-05-18