Evaluation of adhesively bonded joint strength of CFRP with laser treatment

Abstract

Pulsed laser surface treatment was applied to carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) to enhance the work efficiency as well as to establish the stable clean process of surface pre-treatment during the bonding process of CFRP structures. Surface analyses were conducted to CFRP treated by various laser conditions in order to find the optimal laser process. Adhesively bonded specimens were fabricated using CFRPs subjected to laser treatment, and adhesive lap shear strength of CFRPs bonded with adhesive films was evaluated compared with the abrasive paper treatment. Surface conditions, adhesive strength, and adhesive fracture mode depended on the treatment parameters, and adhesive strength similar to abrasive paper treatment could be obtained in the specimens with appropriate laser treatment. It was concluded that laser surface treatment can be applied to the surface treatment process of CFRP bonded structures.