Joining and interfacial properties of aluminum/glass fiber reinforced polypropylene sandwich composites

Abstract

The joining of separate components using a suitable technique is a critical step in the manufacture of composite structures. For good property performance of aluminum/glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (Al/GFPP) laminates, one of the most important problems is to obtain good adhesive bond strength.In the present study, Al/GFPP laminates have been manufactured with various surface pretreatment techniques. Adhesion at the composite/metal interface has been achieved by surface pretreatment of Al with amino based silane coupling agent, incorporation of polyolefin based adhesive film and modification with PP based film containing 20 wt. % a maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (PP-g-MA). The mechanical properties shear, peel and bending strength of the adhesively bonded Al/GFPP laminates were investigated to evaluate the effects of those various surface treatments. In addition, peel strengths of Al foam/GFPP laminates with various surface treatments were measured. The fracture surfaces have been examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that the adhesion of the laminated Al/GFPP systems were improved by treatment of aluminum surfaces with amino-based silane coupling agent. Based on peel and bending strength results, Al/GFPP laminates with incorporation of polyolefin based adhesive films exhibited significant increase on the adhesive behaviour. Modification of Al/GFPP interfaces with PP-g-MA layer leads to highest improvement on the adhesion properties.