Influence of substrate - Adhesive resin compatibility on the fracture properties of composite bonds

In, advanced composite structures, an adhesive film is often used to ensure adequate bonding between substrates, and is required in bonding applications involving precured substrates. This study evaluated the fracture properties of three adhesives and two carbon fiber prepreg materials. in both cocured and bonded applications. In addition, composite thermal properties were evaluated using both micro and macro thermal analysis techniques. From this information, it was possible to examine the comingling of prepreg and adhesive resins in the bondline interphase region. The information presented in this study points to a critical aspect of material selection and utilization that is often not considered in composite design: resin compatibility.