Heterogeneity of Adhesive Joint Properties

This paper presents the results of a study of adhesive joints, focused on the heterogeneity of the properties of the adhesive material in the adhesive joint. The main objective of the study was to determine potential differences in the material properties of adhesive joints made with selected structural adhesives. Due to the impact of the joined material on the adhesive during the curing of the joint as well as the impact of phenomena occurring during the curing of the adhesive, the properties of the adhesive joint may vary along the thickness of the joint. Determining the differences in material properties over the thickness of the adhesive bond is important for more accurate prediction of adhesive bond strength in FEM simulations. In order to observe changes in the material properties of bonds, nanoindentation tests have been carried out on eight adhesive joint bonds made with common structural adhesives used to join sheets of aluminium alloy or corrosion-resistant steel. Basing on the achieved test results, load/unload curves were developed for imprints at characteristic spots of the joints. Distinct differences in the achieved average force value were observed for imprints located in the wall-adjacent zone and in the centre of the adhesive joint; this can be interpreted as areas of the joint with different material structures of higher or lower density of imperfections or porosities. Differences in the load/unload curves for ‘rigid’ and ‘flexible’ adhesives were analysed. The summary includes a conclusion that an adhesive joint is characterised by heterogeneous properties along its thickness.