Study on ultrasonic vibration-assisted adhesive bonding of CFRP laminates with laser ablation-treated surfaces

Abstract

An ultrasonic vibration-assisted adhesive bonding process was proposed for carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Ultrasonic vibration was applied during the bonding process after the CFRP laminates were pretreated with laser ablation. The laser treatment removed the resin skin, and the exposed fibers formed orderly grooves on the surface. During the bonding, the sonotrode was pressed onto the CFRP laminate to apply ultrasonic vibration. The shear strength of the bonded joints was improved by 340%. The failure surface and cross-section were analyzed, and a capillary experiment was conducted to study the ultrasonic effect. Under ultrasonic action, the interface became more compact, and mechanical anchoring was enhanced at the interface. The ultrasonic process promoted the penetration of the adhesive on the laser-treated surface, further increasing the bonding area and enhancing the anchoring effect.