A Novel Adaptation of the T-Peel Bimetal Bond Test Based on the Thin Film Bonding Theory Using Cold Roll Bonded AlSn/Steel Bimetal Laminates

The cold roll bonding (CRB) of aluminium/tin alloys to steel is a key industrial manufacturing process used to generate bimetallic composites for engine components. Joining steel and AlSn alloys in the solid state allows for the superior tribological wear and strength characteristics required in automotive bearings. The bond strength of these bimetal composites is crucial, as delamination of fundamental engine components can have detrimental, and often catastrophic, consequences. To evaluate bond strength it is vital that the bimetal manufacturing industry identify a suitable bond test. Researchers in CRB often use the shear (ASTM-D3165-07) or T-peel (ASTM-D1876) test to evaluate bimetals. However, the machining of shear test specimens becomes increasingly difficult with thin laminates and the T-Peel test is designed to evaluate adhesive bonding and not solid state metallic welds. This work offers a novel adaptation of the T-peel test allowing for more accurate evaluation of bond strength, based on the thin film bonding theory.