3 - Surface preparation of component materials

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the surface preparation of component materials. One of the most important aspects in adhesive bonding and laminating is surface preparation. When surface preparation is undertaken as a part of the fabrication of bonded joints, whether in a factory or on a construction site, it is vital that designers, operatives, and their supervisors understand the principles behind obtaining satisfactory short- and long-term adhesion. Adhesives and resins are blamed for not sticking, but the source of the trouble lies generally with the surface preparation. A major barrier to the more confident use of adhesives and resins is a lack of understanding about adhesion, appropriate surface preparation techniques, and their effects on initial bond strength and long-term durability. Hot/wet environments are particularly deleterious for adhesive bonds to metallic substrates and adequate surface preparation is a vital prerequisite for maintaining joint integrity. The purpose of surface preparation is to remove contamination and weak surface layers, to change the substrate surface roughness at a micro level and/or introduce new chemical groups onto the surface to link with the adhesive or primer.