Methacrylate adhesives to create CFRP laminate-steel joints – preliminary static and fatigue tests

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary laboratory tests on the static and fatigue behaviour of CFRP laminate-to-steel bonded joints. The main aim of this research is to select the most suitable methacrylate adhesive for joining high modulus CFRP laminate with high strength steel. Seven different methacrylate adhesives were used to create double-lap shear joints subjected to static and cyclic tension. Experimental results include the load-bearing capacity of joints and the failure modes of all statically loaded specimens. Also shear stress distributions in the adhesive layer (for selected glues) and the bond-slip relationships are shown and discussed. The fatigue tests conducted provide some basic information about the fatigue properties of previously, statically tested methacrylate adhesives and their suitability for use in structures subjected to cyclic loading. As a basic parameter specifying the fatigue resistance of bonded joint (CFRP laminate - steel) the number of cycles at failure of specimens was adopted and discussed.