Adhesion Strength of Al/Epoxy Resin Interface over a Wide Range of Loading Rates

Abstract

This study evaluated the interfacial adhesive strength between aluminium alloy and epoxy resin (Al/epoxy resin) over a wide range of strain rates (loading rates). We conducted three types of tests with different loading rate, i.e., a quasi-static tensile test for the range of lower loading rate, a Split Hopkinson Bar (SHB) for the range of middle loading rate, and Laser Shock Adhesion Test (LaSAT) for the range of higher loading rate. LaSAT is a unique test of adhesion evaluation, since laser induced shock wave is employed to lead interfacial fracture. In parallel, finite element method (FEM) is conducted in order to calculate stress distribution at the interface during LaSAT. As a result, it was found that the interface between the aluminium alloy and the epoxy resin interface shows significant loading rate dependency of the adhesion strength and this tendency is very similar to that of bulk epoxy materials.