Search

The purpose of the work is to present issues related to the influence of surface treatment on the strength of adhesive joints of C45 steel sheets by grinding based on experimental research. These issues were related to determining the impact of the gradation and type of abrasive material on the strength of adhesive joints of the steel sheets. The grinding was carried out manually using an angle grinder with a disc diameter of 125 mm and a rotational speed of 11,060 min-1, using abrasive materials with grains made of: ceramics, zirconium and electro-corundum with a gradation of P40, and sandpaper with grains made of electro-corundum with various grain sizes with three gradations P40, P220, P400 (according to European FEPA standards). To make the adhesive joints of steel sheets, the epoxy adhesive was used, which contains an epoxy resin based on bisphenol A and a triethyleneteramine curing agent. A profilographometer from Hommel - Etamic was used to determine selected 2D and 3D surface roughness parameters, and the strength tests of the steel sheets adhesive joints were performed on a ZWICK/ROELL Z150 testing machine. The analysis of the tests showed a significant impact of the surface treatment method on the attained shear strength of the steel sheets adhesive joints. Comparing the samples prepared with electrocorundum of the variable gradation, the tests exhibited that the samples prepared with P40 paper had the highest roughness, while samples prepared with P400 paper had the highest shear strength. Roughness analysis indicated that in the comparison group of samples prepared with abrasives of the various abrasive materials, ceramics showed the highest roughness parameters and the shear strength of the adhesive joints after this treatment.

Material development in acoustic engineering plays a significant role in various applications, such as industrial noise control. It is important and relevant to consider alternative materials capable of reducing noise levels in different frequency ranges. One commonly used material in engineering structures is epoxy adhesive compositions. Favoring the use of adhesive compositions are their main characteristics, including weight reduction in structures, corrosion resistance, relatively low manufacturing costs, and high mechanical strength. This paper aims to discuss the relationship between the mechanical properties of modified epoxy adhesives, their structure, and sound absorption efficiency. The subjects of this study were specimens of an epoxy composition in the cured state. Acoustic absorption coefficients were evaluated using a dual-microphone impedance tube, and tensile, compressive, and bending strength properties were determined using a testing machine. The impact strength of the compositions was also investigated. An analysis of the structure of the adhesives in the cured state was carried out using a scanning electron microscope. The test specimens were made from Epidian 5 epoxy resin cured with a polyamide PAC curing agent. Nanobent ZR2 aluminosilicate in an amount of 1%, CaCO3 calcium carbonate in an amount of 5%, and CWZ-22 activated carbon in an amount of 20% were used as modifiers. The conducted studies revealed that the highest tensile strength was obtained for the adhesive composition with the addition of ZR2 filler. The highest compressive strength was exhibited by the adhesive composition with the addition of CWZ-22 filler. The highest flexural strength was demonstrated by the unmodified composition. For all the tested adhesive compositions, low sound absorption values were achieved, with a maximum of approximately 0.18. From the perspective of the reduction index R, it was observed that these samples performed better in reduction than in absorption. The best values were achieved in the compositions modified with CaCO3.

This article shows an analysis of selected stages of a machine’s life cycle environmental impact in the specific case of machines that package bottles in thermo-shrinkable film. As part of this analysis, laboratory tests were carried out to compare the performance properties of polyethylene films (with and without recycled material). Then, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out within the specified system boundaries using the SimaPro program. Using the ReCiPe 2016 method, differences in the impact of the mass bottle packaging process on the categories human health, ecosystems and resources were determined depending on the shrink film used in the process. These tests showed that the tested batch of film with the addition of recyclates has similar functional properties to traditional ones and can therefore be used in the mass packaging process. The environmental analysis showed that changing the type of film to film with the addition of recyclates results in an almost 70% reduction in the potential negative impact of the process in terms of damage to health and ecosystems, and by 85% in terms of resources.

Polymeric thin films based on polylactide with an addition of poly(ethylene glycol) as a plasticizer and flavonoids in the form of quercetin and berberine were subjected to tests that were particularly relevant from the point of view of contact with food. A comparative analysis of the effect of individual flavonoids on the antioxidative properties of tested films and blueberry storage was carried out. The influence of active compounds on the water vapor permeability, as well as UV protection, of the obtained materials was investigated. Also, the specific migration of individual flavonoids from obtained materials to food simulants in the form of acetic acid and ethyl alcohol was determined. The crucial point of this study is the storage of blueberries. The obtained results indicate that the selection of packaging, containing individual active compounds, depends on the purpose and requirements that the packaging must meet for particular types of food.

This research study focused on the effect of adding boric acid to epoxy resin in order to obtain a composite material with improved properties and performance. To this end, a fine powder of boric acid (H3BO3) was introduced into epoxy resin in different amounts, i.e., 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g. As the matrix of the epoxy composites, styrene-modified epoxy resin based on bisphenol A (BPA) (Epidian 53) was used. It was cross-linked with two types of curing agents, i.e., an amine (ET) and a polyamide (PAC). The mechanical properties of the obtained epoxy composites (in terms of compressive strength, compressive modulus, and compressive strain) were determined at room temperature in order to assess the effect of the addition of boron acid and of the type of curing agent employed to cure the epoxy on these characteristics. Calorimetric measurements were made to highlight any changes in the glass transition temperature (Tg) as a result of the addition of boric acid to epoxy resin. Finally, flammability tests were performed on both Epidian 53/PAC and Epidian 53/ET epoxy composites to analyze their fire behavior and consequently establish the effectiveness of the selected additive as a flame retardant.

The objective of this study was to compare the selected mechanical properties of epoxy compounds based on an unmodified epoxy resin with those containing an antiseptic as a modifying agent. Experiments were carried out on twelve epoxy compounds made of an epoxy resin based on bisphenol A (BPA) with a basic epoxide amount of 0.48–0.51 mol/100 g. Three curing agents were used: one polyamide (a polyaminoamide curing agent) and two amines (one was an adduct of aliphatic amine and aromatic glycidyl ether, and the other was an adduct of cycloaliphatic amine). The epoxy compounds were modified by adding an antiseptic in the form of powdered boric acid (H3BO3) in three amounts: 0.5 g, 1.0 g, and 1.5 g. The cured modified and unmodified epoxy compounds were subjected to compressive strength testing and microscopic examination. The experimental results showed that the epoxy compounds containing adduct of aliphatic amine (triethylenetetramine) and aromatic glycidyl ether as the amine curing agent, i.e., E5/ET/100:18, had the highest compressive strength out of all the tested epoxy compounds, with the highest value of 119 MPa obtained for the epoxy compound modified by the addition of 1.0 g boric acid. The epoxy compounds modified with boric acid acquired antiseptic properties and, for most cases, exhibited a higher compressive strength than the unmodified epoxy compounds (not lower than that specified by the manufacturer for unmodified epoxy compounds).

The aim of this research was a comparative analysis of selected mechanical properties of epoxy compounds that were modified with metallic fillers and aged in aqueous environments. The tested epoxy compounds consisted of three components: styrene modified epoxy resin based on Bisphenol A, triethylenetetramine curing agent (resin/curing agent ratio of 100:10) and two types of metallic fillers in the form of particles: aluminum alloy (EN AW-2024–AlCu4Mg1) and tin-phosphor bronze (CuSn10P). Samples were subjected to ageing in 4 water environments: low-, medium- and high-mineralized natural water and in a sugar-containing solution for 1, 2 and 3 months. The epoxy samples were subjected to compressive strength tests in accordance with the ISO 604:2002 standard. It was observed that, among others, the compositions seasoned in low-mineralized water usually achieved the highest average compressive strength. As for filler type, using the bronze filler (CuSn10P) usually achieved the highest average compressive strength results.

The paper describes the effect of cutting parameters and tool geometry on the surface quality after machining of an Al/CFRP (aluminium alloy/ Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics) sandwich structure. A two-layer sandwich structure made of an EN AW 2024 aluminium alloy and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) was examined. The experiment used the process of peripheral milling. The experiment investigated the effects of cutting speed (vc), feed per blade (fz) and helix angle (λs) on surface quality as defined by differences in the height of materials. It was also analysed how the machining conditions described above affected the values of cutting force components. In the experimental stage of the study, uncoated, double-bit carbide mill cutters with working diameter Dc = 12mm and a variable helix angle (λs = 20˚, λs = 35˚, λs = 45˚) were used. The results have shown that cutting parameters and tool geometry do affect the surface quality and cutting forces after milling of the sandwich structure. The lowest material height difference was achieved when machining with the helix angle λs = 45˚, cutting speed vc = 300m/min and feed per blade fz = 0.08mm/blade. The highest material height difference occurred after machining under the following conditions: vc = 300m/min, fz = 0.08mm/min, λs = 20˚. The minimum cutting force value was obtained for cutting parameters: vc = 80m/min, fz = 0.08mm/blade during milling with the helix angle λs = 45˚. The maximum cutting force was recorded during machining with the helix angle λs = 20˚, cutting speed vc = 400m/min and feed per blade fz = 0.08 mm/blade.

The presented study concerned the comparison of the adhesive joints strengths of 1.0503 carbon steel sheets of higher quality, which were made using adhesive compounds characterized by different viscosity index of the components. Three types of commercial epoxy resins were used: Epidian 5, Epidian 53 and Epidian 57, as well as two types of curing agents: polyamide (PAC) and amine (Z-1). The surfaces of the test specimens were subjected to a pre-treatment operation in the process of a mechanical machining with an abrasive coated tool of P320 gradation. The surface roughness measurements were carried out as a control. The single-lap adhesive joints were the subject of the strength testing. The strength tests carried out on a Zwick/Roell Z150 testing machine concerned the comparison of the strength of the adhesive joints loaded in shear. Statistical analysis was performed on the results obtained. It was observed, among others, that the adhesive joints prepared with the epoxy adhesive compounds containing the polyamide curing agent showed much higher the shear strength than the adhesive joints made with the epoxy adhesive compounds containing the amine curing agent. Moreover, the use of the polyamide curing agent in the adhesive compounds with the epoxy resins resulted in formation of a more elastic adhesive layer, for which higher elongation was observed than in the case of the epoxy compound with the amine curing agent.

The purpose of this article is to investigate the effect of sandblasting surface treatment, before the bonding process, on the strength of the adhesive joints of the three types of aluminium alloy sheets. Three values of pressure were used during the sandblasting process, i.e. 0.41 MPa, 0.51 MPa and 0.56 MPa. After mechanical treatment, the samples of aluminium alloys sheets were degreased three times with acetone by immersion. The elements were bonded with single-lap joints using two components epoxy adhesive. After the curing process, the shear strength tests of the aluminium alloy adhesive joints were conducted, according to the DIN EN 1465 standard. The surface topography of all samples was measured, and the most important surface roughness parameter and its waviness were determined. Based on the experimental results, it was noticed that, among others, while using the same pressure value during sandblasting of different aluminium alloys, the roughness parameters Ra and Rz of the obtained surfaces differed depending on the type of alloy. It is also to notice that more than two times strength of the joints was obtained by those made of the aluminium alloy sheet, which was subjected to heat treatment.

The aim of the paper is to assess the impact of the effectiveness of bonding steel elements with paint coating. The adhesive joints were made using two types of the adhesives: two-component epoxy resin adhesive based on Bisphenol A and polyurethane. Three types of adhesive joints were made: (i) reference samples, (ii) samples with a paint polyester coating, and (iii) samples with a zinc primer and paint polyester coating. These coatings were applied using the electrokinetic method. A shear strength test of the adhesive joints (EN DIN 1465 standard), a coating adhesion test (ASTM D3359-B standard), and surface wettability tests (based on contact angle) were used. Through analyzing the test results, it can be seen that the strength of the adhesive joints of the reference samples made with epoxy adhesive is 46% lower than that of the specimens with primer and paint coating applied. However, in the case of the adhesive joints made with the polyurethane adhesive, the aforementioned difference in the strength value of the adhesive joints of the reference samples and paint-coated samples with an applied primer is 76%. Adherends with a paint coating and a previously applied primer obtained the lowest value of the contact angle (38.72°) and are characterized by good wettability.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of abrasive treatment as a method of surface preparation on the strength of adhesive joints made of galvanised steel sheet. The subject of experimental investigations were adhesive joints of samples made of galvanised steel sheet DX51, 0.7 mm thick. The surfaces of the samples were abraded with coated abrasive tools of grain sizes P120, P180, P220, P400 and P600, and then degreased with PIKKO extraction solvent. The surface properties in terms of roughness and 3D surface topography were examined using a Hommel-Etamic T8000 RC120-400. The adhesive joints were made using Epidian 53 epoxy resin adhesive composition and IDA curing agent in a 100:40 weight ratio. Samples of single-lap adhesive joints were tested for strength on a Zwick/Roell Z150 testing machine, in accordance with the PN - EN 1465:2009 standard. The tests showed that the samples mechanically processed with an abrasive tool of P220 gradation show the best strength properties. Adhesive joints, in which the surface of the joined elements was mechanically processed with an abrasive tool of P120 gradation, obtained negative results. The obtained test results were subjected to further statistical analysis. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the distribution. Then, the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and the median test were applied, which showed that there were no significant differences in the results obtained between the adhesive joints whose surfaces were prepared with P220 and P400 abrasive paper, i.e. both methods of surface preparation can be considered as the most favourable among those analysed during the adhesive bonding of DX51 galvanised sheets.

This paper presents issues related to the determination of the selected mechanical properties of adhesive joints made of polymeric pipes and the evaluation of the leak-tightness of the adhesive joints. The article attempts to demonstrate that the type of adhesive may affect the quality of adhesive joints in terms of both tightness and strength of joints. Five types of the polymer pipes differing in a polypropylene and a polyvinyl chloride, diameter and a wall thickness were used in the experiments. Two types of the adhesives were used to make the adhesive joints: Loctite 3430 A&B Hysol, a two-component epoxy adhesive, and Loctite 406, a one-component cyanoacrylate adhesive. Based on the leak-tightness tests results, it was possible to determine the quality of their adhesive joints without damaging the samples, while their tensile strength was determined through the strength tests. The tests performed allowed for the conclusion that the use of the polyvinyl chloride pipes and Loctite 406 one-component adhesive is recommended for this type of adhesive joints.

Anatase, one of the polymorphs of titanium dioxide (TiO2), has become the most widely used semiconductor for photocatalytic materials due to its chemical and physical properties. However, researchers have been studying the use of alternative materials (e.g., ZnO, N-doped, and C-doped TiO2) to improve the photocatalytic activity of cementitious materials. In this paper, we propose a modification of lightweight concrete by introducing mixed phases of titanium dioxide—anatase and rutile—to enhance its photocatalytic performance. The efficiency of NOx degradation of nano TiO2-modified concrete, its self-cleaning performance, and its antimicrobial properties were studied. The photocatalytic activity of lightweight concrete without TiO2 and concrete with the addition of anatase, rutile, and anatase-rutile was compared. The results show that modifying the samples by adding a mixture of anatase and rutile (2.5 wt % A + 2.5 wt % R) significantly improved the photocatalytic performance of lightweight concrete.

The tightening standards of nitrogen oxides emission from industrial plants encourage nitric acid producers to search for new efficient solutions to meet the stringent emission limits. Industrial practice and the patent literature show that the effectiveness of deNOx (SCR) and deN2O technology is affected not only by the type and shape of the catalyst, but also by the method of its installation in a heterogenous catalytic reactor. The article presents the background of the problem, related to the emission of nitrogen oxides from nitric acid plants, and describes the technology of the tail gases purified from NOx and N2O. It shows various aspects that should be considered in designing reactors for deNOx and deN2O processes in nitric acid plants. The advantages and disadvantages of different catalytic basket designs, their industrial application and the direction of their design development were also indicated.

The article presents the issues of the mechanical properties of epoxy adhesives and the adhesive joints strength of steel sheets which were made using the epoxy adhesives. The aim of the paper is to study the mechanical properties of epoxy adhesive of different epoxy resin/curing agent ratios (within and above the recommended stoichiometric ratio) and their effect on mechanical properties of adhesive joints of steel sheets. In experimental tests three types of epoxy adhesives, containing a low molecular weight epoxy resin based on bisphenol A and polyamide curing agent, were used. A single-lap adhesive joint type of stainless-steel sheets was also applied. Two types of strength test were used: the compressive strength tests (DIN EN 196-1) for epoxy adhesive samples and the shear strength tests (DIN EN 1465) for adhesive joints. Both the analysis of the strength results of the samples of epoxy adhesive and adhesive joints as well as the failure analysis was carried out. On the basis of the results of strength tests it can be stated that the greatest deformation occurred for the samples of epoxy adhesive containing the modified epoxy resin (epoxy number—0.40) and the polyamide curing agent, and the smallest for the samples of epoxy adhesive containing the basic epoxy resin (epoxy number—0.49–0.52) and the polyamide curing agent. The epoxy adhesives with a smaller amount of curing agent were characterized by higher strength. This applies to all analyzed epoxy resins. The same dependences were obtained for the strength of adhesive joints of steel sheets made of the analyzed epoxy adhesive.

The paper evaluates the effect of the surface treatment on the strength of single-lap adhesive joints made of C45 steel. The samples were joined using an adhesive composition consisting of Epidian 57 epoxy resin and PAC curing agent. The study also used Greinplast mosaic plaster with a grain size of 1.0-1.6 mm as coating. The experiment was carried out for 3 variants of joints: sheet/sheet, sheet+plaster/sheet+plaster, sheet/sheet+plaster. Each variant was divided into 3 methods of surface treatment. The strength tests were carried out on the Zwick/Roell Z150 testing machine. The roughness parameters of the surface’s samples were measured using the HOMMEL TESTER T1000 profilometer.

The aim of the present article was to analyse the adhesive joints of different types of the furniture boards used for the furniture production. The present article included a comparative analysis of the adhesive joints of the particle board and the medium-density fireboard (MDF) pressed with the following types of film: A 0.3 mm thick PVC film and a 0.8 mm thick acrylic film, made with use of a single-component reac-tive hot-melt adhesive based on the PUR 706.2 ME polyurethane. It was observed that, among others, the adhesive joints made of the particle board with a pressed 0.3 mm thick PVC film and the adhesive’s basis weight of 24 g/m2 is characterised by better strength properties than the adhesive joints of the particle board with the adhesive’s basis weight of 48 g/m2.

The article defines rather complex and unpredictable movement of the dough in the gap between the working rolls and suggests the calculation for the optimal parameters for rolls shape (particular-ly the parameters and their effect on the dough). The functional dependences of the permissible diameter and the gap between rotating rollers are substantiated. The block diagram of the geomet-ric bounding parameters of the gradient field of the viscous fluid flow is proposed herewith and the equation on the basic constructive parameters (h, r) affecting the pouring process efficiency is presented. Analysis of experimental results revealed that the main features of the machine provide the necessary stable shape products and good rheological parameters of these products. Rheologi-cal testing indicators allow for a rational approach to decision to operate a rolling process. At the same time they improve quality control methods and will have an impact on design parameters of rollers and chambers’ modes. The proposed method not only allows obtaining a predetermined pressure, but also allows defining the optimal shape of the gap, wherein the pressure gradient is constant.

The aim of the study was to compare the welded and adhesive joints made of polypropylene pipes. The pipes were butt jointed. Two pipe diameters were used: ø20 mm and ø25 mm. Welded joints were made by hot gas welding, while adhesive joints were made by two epoxy adhesive compositions. The base for both compositions was Epidian 6 epoxy resin, which was mixed with IDA and TFF curing agents in recommended quantitative ratios. Experimental tests consisted in determination and comparison of strength properties of the made joints, therefore the analyzed joints were subjected to destructive strength tests, which determined their tensile strength in accordance with ISO 527-1 standard. On the basis of the obtained results it was observed that welded joints obtained the highest average strength. The lowest strength was characteristic for adhesive joints made with Epidian 6/TFF/100:27 adhesive. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis, which showed that the strength of ø20 mm diameter pipe joints did not differ significantly from the strength of ø25 mm diameter pipe joints, comparing the results for each type of joint with the assumed level of confidence α = 0.05.

A series of new polymeric materials consisting of polylactide (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and berberine chloride (B) was evaluated. PEG was incorporated into the polymer matrix with the aim of obtaining a plasticizing effect, while berberine was added in order to obtain antibacterial properties in formed packaging materials. Materials were formed using the solvent-casting procedure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used so as to establish the structural changes resulting from the introduction of berberine. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to study the thermal properties. Further, mechanical properties and differences in colour and transparency between the control sample and films containing berberine were also studied. The recorded data indicates that berberine formed a network on the surface of the PLA-based materials. Introduction of an active compound significantly improved thermal stability and greatly affected the Young’s modulus values of the studied polymeric films. Moreover, it should be stressed that the addition of the studied active compound leads to an improvement of the antibacterial properties, resulting in a significant decrease in growth of E. coli and the S. aureus bacteria cultures.

The aim of this work was to investigate selected biological and toxicity properties of cured epoxy resin-based compounds based on a bisphenol A epoxy resin, cold-cured by a polyamide and containing two types of metal powders (aluminum and copper). This study involved cytotoxicity analysis, pH measurements, absorbance measurements and sterilization. The cytotoxicity analysis was conducted to determine the harmful degree of the cured epoxy resin. Aimed at identifying toxic agents in cured compounds, the cytotoxicity analysis involved absorbance measurements in an entire wavelength range. Cytotoxicity and absorbance results demonstrated that the extracts of all the tested resin samples had no cytotoxic effects on the cells of living organisms. The absorbance values obtained over the entire wavelength range did not point to the formation of aggregations, which proved that no toxic agents harmful to living organisms were extracted from the resin samples. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that all tested compounds, based on epoxy resins, which are also used as adhesives in various applications, are essentially safe materials when using such formulations in a cured state.

One of the most important design factors in the constitution of adhesive joints is the correct choice of adhesive. Currently, there is a full range of options on the commercial market in this regard, but there is increasing research into modifying adhesives for specific engineering applications. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of physical modification with fillers on the properties of the adhesive composition and the adhesive joints. The adhesives used in the study were a composition of Epidian 5 epoxy resin and PAC curing agent modified with 1% montmorillonite, 5% calcium carbonate and 20% activated carbon. The adhesive compositions in the cured state were subjected to strength tests and SEM and DSC analyses. Using these compositions, adhesive joints of EN AW 2024 T3 aluminum alloy sheets were also made. The tests carried out showed that, due to the use of different fillers, their effects on certain properties of the adhesive compositions are different types. It was shown that physical modification of the adhesive composition does not always result in positive effects. The study also attempted to determine the correlation between the properties of the adhesive compositions in the cured state and the strength of the adhesive joints.

The parameters of surface roughness Ra, Rz and Rmax as well as surface topography Sa, Sz, Sp and Sv of the two-layer sandwich structure composed of an AW-2024 T3 aluminum alloy (Al) and a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) were measured to determine an impact of the machining configuration (arrangement of the materials forming a sandwich structure) and the type of tool (presence of the tool coating) on the quality of the surface obtained through circumferential milling. The measurements revealed that milling produced different values of surface roughness for the aluminum alloy and the CFRP composite with values of 2D and 3D surface roughness being higher for the composite layer. The highest value of Ra of 1.10 µm was obtained for the surface of the CFRP composite using the CFRP/Al configuration and a TiAlN-coated tool. The highest values of the Rz (6.51 µm) and Rmax (8.85 µm) surface roughness parameters were also obtained for the composite layer using the same machining configuration and type of tool.

The aim of the paper is to determine the influence of the surface treatment on the adhesive properties of steel sheet surfaces and the strength of the adhesive joints of steel sheets. The paper also aims to assess the degree of steel sheets’ surface treatment in the bonding process. Due to the many methods of surface treatment and types of materials, the assessment of the surface treatment method is extremely important in adhesive processes. Two variants of the surface treatment were used: without a paint coating and with a paint coating, divided into two groups (without degreasing and with degreasing). Additionally, in the case of the analysis of the steel samples without the paint coating, mechanical treatment was applied. Two-component epoxy adhesive, prepared on the basis of bisphenol A and a polyamide curing agent, was used to prepare the single-lap adhesive joints of the steel sheets. The tests determined: (i) the adhesive properties of the steel sheets’ surface based on the measurement of the contact angle of polar and apolar liquids (including wettability, work of adhesion, and surface free energy), (ii) surface roughness parameters (PN EN ISO 4287), and (iii) mechanical properties (load capacity and shear strength) of the steel sheets’ adhesive joints (EN DIN 1465). Contact angle measurements of the steel sheet surfaces showed that the polar liquid better reflects the obtained strength results of the analyzed adhesive joints than the apolar liquid. Furthermore, better wettability of the surface of steel sheets with both polar and apolar liquids was obtained for samples whose surface was subjected to degreasing. It can also be concluded that the wettability of the surface can be used as one of the indicators of the degree of the surface treatment for the bonding process.

The aim of this work is to assess the influence of different commercial diluents on some mechanical properties of two bisphenolic epoxy compounds, cold-cured by a polyamide curing agent, to be employed as epoxy structural adhesives for building and industrial applications. The diluents under analysis were epoxy, bituminous, nitro, acrylic and extraction. The choice of these products was made on the basis of their wide commercial availability as diluents for epoxies used as adhesives and in different industrial and construction applications. The diluents were all added in small proportions, i.e., from 1 to 10 g per 100 g of epoxy resin. The cold-cured epoxy compounds were subjected to compressive (according to ISO 604) and static tensile (according to ISO 527-1) tests. The same mechanical tests were performed on both unmodified epoxy resins, for comparison purposes. On the basis of the obtained results, it was concluded that the influence of the presence of a diluent, and of its amount, on the mechanical properties of epoxy compounds depends on the type of resin and of diluent, as well as on the mechanical characteristics analyzed.

Implementation of modern handling facilities contributes to the quality performance of each business subject. Nowadays, mechanization and automation of processes associated with the handling of shipments finds an important place especially in the conditions of the postal and logistics sector, which is growing due to ecom-merce. The method of allocation large mechanization and automation, the performance and other characteris-tics significantly influence the realization of processing shipments in relation to the quality of service but also labour intensive and human performance. The paper deals with the issue of the appropriate location of the conveyor within the space available depot, as well as calculation of performance and technical parameters and multi-criteria evaluation for an appropriate choice of the conveyor. Will be considered such energy perfor-mance, noise, safety at work, location and so on.

On the market there are plenty of machines for cutting of steel via a mixture of oxygen and flammable gases. Various manufacturers provide several types of torches, cutting nozzles and other equipment in their product range. Cutting nozzles are a component that significantly affects quality of cutting based in set parameters. However, data from catalogues and manuals by manufacturers on cutting parameters of nozzles are rarely in use in real conditions. That is why optimum cutting conditions for cutting via nozzles A-SD made by RHONA were tested and final results were compared with those in the catalogue for a proper use in practice.

In the paper are presented the results of research on the use of cavitation effects in certain technologies. Intensification of mass transfer processes in the system 'solid phase - liquid' is reviewed taking into account solid phase cavitation crashing, turbulization of boundary diffusion layer of fluid by cavitation bubbles, the emergence of non-stationary aspects of mass transfer, changes in physical and chemical properties of the liquid phase. Also are described prospects of practical use of cavitation equipment in industry.

This paper examines the effect of selected factors on the wood bonded joint strength. The structural factor under scrutiny was the geometry of the surface area; however, other major dimensions of adherends were compared as well. The tests were performed on 6 joint types: butt, v-shaped, interlocking, scarf, tongue & groove, and single lap joints, which were formed on two types of substrate materials – pine and oak wood, and adhesively bonded. The joints were bonded with Prefere 6312 wood adhesive and Loctite 3430 two-component epoxy adhesive. Strength testing of the joints was performed on Zwick/Roell Z150 material testing machine, according to DIN EN 1465 standard. The results obtained from the tests indicate that bonded joints of oak wood exhibit higher strength properties than those of pine wood adherends, which was confirmed in nearly all strength tests.

The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of arrangement of fibreglass fabric plies in a polymer composite on a strength. Based on the experimental results, the real effect of plies arrangement and their most favourable configuration with respect to strength is determined. The experiments were performed on 4 types of handmade composites which had different fibre orientations and thicknesses. The first three of the composites had three plies of fabric. The plies arrangement in Composite I was unchanged, in Composite II the central ply had the 45o orientation, while in Composite III the outside ply (tangential to the adhesive layer) was oriented at 45.o In contrast, Composite IV consisted of five plies with unchanged arrangement. Composite plates were first cut into smaller specimens and then after stabilizing, the composite specimens were subjected to strength tests. The highest tensile strength and elongation are obtained for Composite IV, which was the higher the thickness from the tested composite samples, but for this composite the tensile modulus was lowest value. Composite II has the lowest values of strength parameters among the tested composites, which contain three plies and central ply has the 45o orientation.

The present paper evaluates the effect of joining method on the strength of joint assemblies of selected structural materials: DX51+Z275 galvanised steel, OH18N9 stainless steel and DC01 low carbon steel. The objects of the study are: the lap adhesive joint and the butt welded joint with continuous and spot weld. Welded joints were produced latter by means of one of the two welding methods, MIG or MAG. The choice of the welding method depended on the type substrate material. Welding was conducted at the following constant technological parameters: strength of current, electrode deposition rate, filler metal diameter, type and flow rate of shielding gas. The adhesive joint was bonded with Epidian 53/Z1/100:10 epoxy adhesive. The substrates were pre-treated in a three-stage surface preparation process involving: mechanical treatment with P60 and P320 abrasive tools and degreasing with Loctite 7063 degreasing agent. The tensile strength tests, conducted under the study, provided strength characteristics of the tested joint assemblies, indicating differences in the values of strength that depended on the applied joining method or, in the case of welded joints, the structure of the seam.

The materials based on concrete with an addition of rubber are well-known. The interaction between concrete components and rubber particles is in the majority cases insufficient. For this reason, different substances are introduced into concrete-rubber systems. The aim of this paper is to establish the influence of five different polymer additives, i.e., 1. an aqueous dispersion of a styrene-acrylic ester copolymer (silanised) (ASS), 2. water dispersion of styrene-acrylic copolymer (AS), 3. anionic copolymer of acrylic acid ester and styrene in the form of powder (AS.RDP), 4. water polymer dispersion produced from the vinyl acetate and ethylene monomers (EVA), 5. copolymer powder of vinyl acetate and ethylene (EVA.RDP)) on the properties of the self-leveling rubberised concrete. Scanning electron microscopy has allowed to establish the interaction between the cement paste and rubber aggregates. Moreover, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the studied materials were evaluated. The results indicate that the mechanical properties depend extensively on the type as well as the amount of the polymer additive introduced into the system.

In this study, the influence of sandblasting process parameters as a surface preparation method on the strength of single-lap adhesive joints of EN AW 2024 T3 aerospace aluminium alloy sheets was determined. Eleven sets of sandblasting parameters were used, which were determined according to a determined experimental plan. The variable factors in the sandblasting process were pressure, nozzle distance, and workpiece displacement speed. The sand jet incidence angle was constant. Garnet 80 E+ was the abrasive material that was used. The joints were made using an epoxy adhesive composition of Epidian 5 epoxy resin and a PAC curing agent. The influence of the surface preparation method on the surface roughness and contact angle to determine the surface free energy was evaluated. The shear strength of the adhesive joints was also determined, which finally allowed the evaluation of the applied surface treatment variants. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis, which indicated that the highest shear strength of the adhesive joints was obtained for samples whose surfaces were treated by sandblasting at parameter configurations in which the pressure was 5–6 × 105 Pa; the distance between the nozzle and the sandblasted surface should not be greater than 97 mm, and the speed at which the workpiece moves in relation to the nozzle should not be greater than 75 mm/min.

This study presents the results of research on the surface quality of hybrid sandwich structures after milling with a diamond blade tool. It identifies the effects of feed and machining strategy on the roughness and topography of the surface. It provides an analysis of Ra and Rz surface roughness parameters as well as Sp, Sz, and Sv surface topography parameters. The processed object was a two-layer sandwich structure consisting of aluminium alloy 2024 and CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer) composite. The minimum values of the Ra and Rz surface roughness parameters were obtained on the aluminium alloy surface, whereas the maximum values were obtained on the CFRP surface. The same was true for the 3D surface roughness parameters—the lowest values of Sp, Sz, and Sv parameters were obtained on the surface of the metal layer, while the highest values were obtained on the surface of the composite layer (the maximum value of the Sp parameter was an exception). A surface topography analysis has revealed a targeted and periodic pattern of micro-irregularities for the vast majority of the samples considered. The statistical analysis shows that the surface roughness of the aluminium alloy was only affected by the feed rate. For the CFRP, the feed rate and the interaction of milling strategy and feed rate (S × fz) had a statistically significant effect. The obtained results provide a basis for designing such sandwich element processing technology, for which differences in roughness and topography parameters for the component materials are lowest.

The purpose of the paper is to determine the impact of surface treatment on the strength of adhesive joints, made from various steel sheets. Two variants of the surface treatment steel adherends were used: without the varnish coat and with the varnish coat, using three polymer-based varnishes (a simple, a hybrid, and a gel). Two types of the adhesives were used to prepare the adhesive joints: a single-component cyanoacrylate adhesive and a two-component epoxy adhesive. A strength test of the adhesive joints (EN DIN 1465 standard), a coating adhesion test (ASTM D3359-B standard), and surface topography, as well as surface roughness, parameters (PN-EN ISO 11562, PN-EN ISO 4287, and PN-EN ISO 25178 standards) were used. Based on the strength tests, it was observed that the adhesive joints, with the hybrid varnish onto the adherend’s surface, achieved markedly lower shear strength. The best results, in terms of the adhesive joint strength, made using the cyanoacrylate adhesive were achieved for the joints where the adherends were coated with a simple varnish, while in the joints made using the epoxy adhesive, the highest shear strength was achieved by the joints of sheets whose surfaces were coated with the gel varnish.

The article presents the selected results of strength tests on the effectiveness of bonding high-alloy steel 1.4310. Sheet steel is one of the materials that are difficult to activate energy. Effective joining of it is difficult, requires selection of the appropriate bonding technology. The paper focuses on the comparative tests the shear strength of one-single lap welded and bonded joints. The welding process was performed 3 groups of samples TIG welding and argon, where the variable value of the welding process was current: 60A, 70A, 80A. The adhesion process was performed in 6 groups of samples which differed in the method of surface preparation and the type of the adhesive. Adhesive joints were made by using adhesive of epoxy resin and a hardener: Epidian 61/TFF at a mass ratio of 100:22 and Epidian 61/IDA at a mass ratio of 100:40. As a way of surface preparation applied 3 different, but simplified and environmentally friendly methods of surface preparation: degreasing with using cleaner Loctite 7061, abrasive machining with P320 and degreasing and grinding with abrasive T800 and degreasing were used. Make joints and curing the adhesive joints were carried out at ambient temperature. Analyzed the joints were tested destructive - which set out the shear strength, in accordance with DIN EN 1465 on the testing machine Zwick / Roell Z150. Based on the results of research it was found that better results were obtained for the maximum welded joints, but this result was similar to the maximum value of the strength of the adhesive bond.

The paper investigates the compression strength of samples of regenerative polymer mass RM 101 Resimetal Metal Repair Pasta manufactured by Rendor. The effect of weather conditions on selected mechanical properties of the tested mass is examined. The samples are subjected to seasoning at room temperature, in an environmental chamber, and in a thermal shock chamber. The samples for strength testing are made according to the adopted method. It has been observed that the samples seasoned at room temperature have the lowest strength, while the highest strength is exhibited by the samples subjected to seasoning in an environmental chamber at a temperature of 70°C and humidity of 95%. In addition, the paper compares the strength properties of regenerative polymer masses manufactured by Chester Molecular, Belzona, and Unirep, as well as of the widely used epoxy compound Epidian 57 mixed with the Z-1 curing agent with those of the Rendor mass. The properties of the above masses are obtained from the available literature.

The following paper analyses selected problems regarding the impact of technological parameters and type of adherend material on the strength of adhesive-bonded steel sheet joints. The subject of the test was a single-lap adhesive joint of S235JR steel sheet. Joints were formed on two types of substrates: with or without corrosion products on the surface. The surface of steel sheet adherends was pre-treated with three cleaning solutions: acetone, Wiko industrial degreasing agent and Cortanin F anti-corrosion agent, depend-ing on the state of the surface. Adhesive joints were formed with Epidian 53/ET/100:15 epoxy adhesive. The formed joints were subjected to one of three ageing variants: 14 days, two months and 3 months, which were followed by destructive testing to determine the shear strength of joints. The analysis of results ob-tained in tests indicates that the strength performance of adhesive joints of corrosion-free adherends was characterised by higher values than in corroded steel sheets, regardless of ageing time.

The paper investigates the effect of degreasing, a surface preparation methods in adhesive bonding, on adhesive joint strength. 5 types of degreasing agents were used in the study: acetone, extraction naphtha, Ultramyt, Wiko and Loctite 7061. The degreasing operation was performed by three methods: rubbing, spraying and immersion. Strength tests were performed on single-lap adhesive joints of hot-dip galvanized metal sheets made with Loctite 9466 adhesive according to the above variants of surface preparation. The experimental results demonstrate that adhesive joint strength is significantly affected by the applied degreasing agent. Moreover, the method of application of the degreasing agent is crucial, too. The results of strength testing reveal that the most effective degreasing method for hot-dip galvanized metal sheet adhesive joints is spraying using extraction naphtha. Thereby degreased samples have the highest immediate strength and shear strength. The use of extraction naph-tha is also effective in combination with degreasing by rubbing; however, it is not effective when used in combi-nation with immersion, as reflected in the lowest strength results.

The article is focussed on comparing and determining the impact of the cutting geometry of the cutting tool due to dynamic load on system and microgeometry machined surface. For longitudinal turning nickel alloy Alloy 625 (W. Nr. 2.4856) rounded indexable cutting insert was used (RCMT 10T3M0 – F2) and its equivalent squared indexable cutting insert (SNMG 120412 – MR3) coated with fine-grained PVD (Ti, Al) N + TiN. Experimental testing of nickel Alloy 625 was under predetermined cutting conditions. In the selected depth of the removed material of 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm was measured in the course of machining the size of the individual components of cutting forces.

The influence of temperature on the fatigue properties of pseudoelastic NiTi under low-cycle fatigue are investigated. Tests were performed under the uniaxial tensile deformation (pull-pull) at 0°С and 20°С which is above the austenite finish temperature. Experimental results indicate that the fatigue life of NiTi alloy increases with the decrease of test temperature from 20°С to 0°С in the case of presenting the results depending on the strain range and Odqvist’s parameter. Regardless the test temperature, with the increase of number of cycles to failure, the stress and strain ranges, as well as the dissipation energy decrease, and the total dissipation energy and Odqvist’s parameter increase. The slope of the fatigue curves of NiTi alloy is greater at the temperature of 0°С in comparison with the 20°С in the case of employing the stress range, strain range, Odqvist’s parameter, and total dissipation energy as the failure criteria, and is less while employing the dissipation energy as the failure criterion.

The effects of aging exposures to three non-saline aqueous environments on the compressive mechanical properties of a calcium carbonate-filled bisphenolic epoxy adhesive, cold-cured with the addition of two curing agents suitable for the cure at ambient temperature (i.e., Mannich base and triethylenetetramine), were assessed. The amount of the added filler (CaCO3) varied from 1 to 3 g per 100 g of resin; the immersion times in each of the selected medium varied from 1 to 10 months. It was found that the mechanical properties measured in compression mode on cylindrical specimens of unfilled and CaCO3-loaded epoxy were scarcely influenced by the kind of curing agent employed; only the compressive modulus was limitedly affected by this parameter. Referring to the behavior when aged in water, the CaCO3-filled epoxies displayed noticeable growths in modulus, small reductions in strength, and limited variations in strain, with a certain influence of the exposure time, especially when comparing the properties at the lowest time with those at medium–long times. On the basis of the results of statistical MANOVA analysis, it can be concluded that among the compositional factors (i.e., the type of curing agent employed to cure the epoxy compounds and the micro-filler content), only the amount of CaCO3 filler significantly affects the compressive modulus.

(1) Background: The aim of the work is to determine the influence of selected aqueous environments of various types of liquids on the strength of adhesive compositions prepared from epoxy resin based on bisphenol A combined with two different curing agents: tritethylenetetramine and polyaminoamide C. (2) Methods: The cured epoxy adhesive compounds samples were seasoned in four aqueous environments of the liquid: rainwater, demineralized water, tap water, and a sweetened drink. Three variants of the aging time in the above-mentioned operating environments were adopted: one month, two months, and three months. After the specified maturing time, samples of epoxy adhesive compositions were subjected to the strength tests on the Zwick/Roell 150 testing machine, which is in accordance with ISO 604 standard, determining the compressive strength. (3) Results: On the basis of the obtained strength test results and their analysis, it was noticed, inter alia, that the strength of the epoxy compounds decreases with the aging time in all used aqueous environments. Moreover, in the case of both types of the epoxy compounds, the highest strength was achieved after aging in demineralized water.

A series of new films with antibacterial properties has been obtained by means of solvent casting method. Biodegradable materials including polylactide (PLA), quercetin (Q) acting as an antibacterial compound and polyethylene glycol (PEG) acting as a plasticizer have been used in the process. The effect of quercetin as well as the amount of PEG on the structural, thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties of the obtained materials has been determined. It was found that an addition of quercetin significantly influences thermal stability. It should be stressed that samples containing the studied flavonoid are characterized by a higher Young modulus and elongation at break than materials consisting only of PLA and PEG. Moreover, the introduction of 1% of quercetin grants antibacterial properties to the new materials. Recorded results showed that the amount of plasticizer did not influence the antibacterial properties; it does, however, cause changes in physicochemical properties of the obtained materials. These results prove that quercetin could be used as an antibacterial compound and simultaneously improve mechanical and thermal properties of polylactide-based films.

The proper process of preparing an adhesive composition has a significant impact on the degree of dispersion of the composition ingredients in the matrix, as well as on the degree of aeration of the resulting composition, which in turn directly affects the strength and functional properties of the obtained adhesive compositions. The paper presents the results of tensile strength tests and SEM microphotographs of the adhesive composition of Epidian 57 epoxy resin with Z-1 curing agent, which was modified using three fillers NanoBent ZR2 montmorillonite, CaCO3 calcium carbonate and CWZ-22 active carbon. For comparison purposes, samples made of unmodified composition were also tested. The compositions were prepared with the use of six mixing methods, with variable parameters such as type of mixer arm, deaeration and epoxy resin temperature. Then, three mixing speeds were applied: 460, 1170 and 2500 rpm. The analyses of the obtained results showed that the most effective tensile results were obtained in the case of mixing with the use of a dispersing disc mixer with preliminary heating of the epoxy resin to 50 °C and deaeration of the composition during mixing. The highest tensile strength of adhesive compositions was obtained at the highest mixing speed; however, the best repeatability of the results was observed at 1170 rpm mixing speed. Based on a comparison test of average values, it was observed that, in case of modified compositions, the values of average tensile strength obtained at mixing speeds at 1170 and 2500 rpm do not differ significantly with the assumed level of significance α = 0.05.

The aim of this work was to determine the impact of the acidic environment on the mechanical properties of two epoxy compounds in different conditions. The samples were made from the epoxy compounds composed of the epoxy resin (based on Bisphenol A), triethylenetetramine curing agent (unmodified compound), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (modified compound). The epoxy compound samples were seasoned for the following period of time (i.e., one week, one month, and three months). The environment was tap water and the acidic environment had three different concentrations of acetic acid (3%, 6%, and 9%). Strength tests of the epoxy compound samples were carried out in accordance with the ISO 604 standard. In the case of the modified composition, it is noted that the samples immersed in tap water were characterized by a higher strength than in acidic environments. A similar tendency was observed for unmodified compositions, although the differences were smaller than for the modified compositions. It was also noticed that the increase in the pH of the acidic solution in many analyzed cases contributed to the decrease in mechanical properties, although the immersion time in the acidic solution is important.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the effects of hygrothermal exposure on the mechanical properties of epoxy compounds modified with calcium carbonate or carbon fillers. In addition, comparative tests were carried out with the same parameters as hygrothermal exposure, but the epoxy compounds were additionally exposed to thermal shocks. The analysis used cylindrical specimens produced from two different epoxy compounds. The specimens were fabricated from compounds of epoxy resins, based on Bisphenol A (one mixture modified, one unmodified) and a polyamide curing agent. Some of the epoxy compounds were modified with calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The remainder were modified with activated carbon (C). Each modifying agent, or filler, was added at a rate of 1 g, 2 g, or 3 g per 100 g of epoxy resin. The effect of the hygrothermal exposure (82 °C temperature and 95% RH humidity) was examined. The effects of thermal shocks, achieved by cycling between 82 °C and −40 °C, on selected mechanical properties of the filler-modified epoxy compounds were investigated. Strength tests were carried out on the cured epoxy compound specimens to determine the shear strength, compression modulus, and compressive strain. The analysis of the results led to the conclusion that the type of tested epoxy compounds and the quantity and type of filler determine the effects of climate chamber aging and thermal shock chamber processing on the compressive strength for the tested epoxy compounds. The different filler quantities, 1–3 g of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or activated carbon (C), determined the strength parameters, with results varying from the reference compounds and the compounds exposure in the climate chamber and thermal shock chamber. The epoxy compounds which contained unmodified epoxy resin achieved a higher strength performance than the epoxy compounds made with modified epoxy resin. In most instances, the epoxy compounds modified with CaCO3 had a higher compressive strength than the epoxy compounds modified with C (activated carbon).

The aim of the study was to establish the influence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the properties of potential biodegradable packaging materials with antibacterial properties, based on polylactide (PLA) and tea tree essential oil (TTO). The obtained polymeric films consisted of PLA, a natural biocide, and tea tree essential oil (5–20 wt. %) was prepared with or without an addition of 5 wt. % PEG. The PLA-based materials have been tested, taking into account their morphology, and their thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. It was established that the introduction of a plasticizer into the PLA–TTO systems leads to an increase in tensile strength, resistance to deformation, as well an increased thermal stability, in comparison to films modified using only TTO. The incorporation of 5 wt. % PEG in the PLA solution containing 5 wt. % TTO allowed us to obtain a material exhibiting a satisfactory antibacterial effect on both groups of representative bacteria. The presented results indicated a beneficial effect of PEG on the antibacterial and functional properties of materials with the addition of TTO.

This article presents selected criteria for the quality assessment of single-lap adhesive joints formed on 0.66±0.04 thick hot dip zinc coated sheets with the hot dip zinc coating thickness equal to 18 µm. Three types of epoxy adhesives and three variants of the mass of adhesives were tested (1 g, 2 g and 3 g). The work intended to assess the capacity of the visual method with regard to evaluating joint quality, allowing for the presence and the size of spew fillet, joint dimensions and the effect of spew fillet on adhesive joint strength. The strength of analysed adhesive joints was determined in destructive tests.