Effect of Autoclave Bonding Pressure and Temperature on Polycarbonate Single Lap Joints with polyurethane adhesive

Adhesive joints are good replacement for bolted and welded joints. Adhesive joint performance over the life depends on joint strength. Strength of joint depends upon curing process parameters used during bonding. This study investigates the effect of cure temperature and pressure on the mechanical performance of autoclave-bonded single lap joints (SLJ). Joint load transfer capacity (LTC) data and failure mode analysis are provided. Test joints are made of two polycarbonate lexan adherends that are autoclave-bonded together using aliphatic polyether (Polyurethane) film adhesive (Huntsman PE399). Two levels of cure pressure and cure temperature are investigated, for their effect on joint load transfer capacity, failure mode, and joint stiffness after heat cycling at a low or high level of relative humidity. Experimental results showed higher cure temperature increases joint performance.