Influence of the Polymer Surface Layer on the Adhesion of Polymer Matrix Composites

This work aims to point out the influence of the polymer surface layer on the adhesion of polymer matrix composites. To this end, correlations between surface parameters (chemistry, roughness, wettability, morphology, etc.) resulting from several surface treatments or preparations and single lap shear tests are performed. The results presented here show the usefulness of surface cleaning and the influence of the manufacturing process before the adhesion stage. Moreover, the use of peel ply surface treatment is also evidenced in terms of surface roughening and cleaning. Furthermore, most of the available surface treatments are limited by the cohesive failure occurring under the polymer surface layer at the fiber—polymer interface of the composite material. Hence, laser ablation is proposed as an alternative way to increase adhesion performance when compared to common surface treatments.