Dry pretreatment for quality assured multimaterial adhesive bonding

Important results from the project

The project aimed to evaluate and further develop pretreatment processes with atmospheric plasma and Nd Yag laser to be able to bond metals and composites in a repeatable and high quality manner. The objective of the project was to achieve a deeper chemical competence to understand the interaction between adhesive chemistry and the surface as well as to evaluate quality inspection methods. Relative the program objectives, the technology contributes to lower weight through quality-safe bonding of lightweight materials. low environmental impact and is suitable for many industries.

Expected long term effects

The project group´s knowledge of adhesive chemistry, surface chemical and structural effects with dry pre-treatment was increased, through courses, generic experiments and company cases. Methods for plasma and laser treatment was evaluated and, in some cases, further developed and guidelines concluded. Unfortunately, none of the evaluated inspection techniques was able to distinguish whether the surface was clean or not, on a width of contamination. A smaller implementation study and a promising sustainability assessment was carried out as well as dissemination activities.

Approach and implementation

The project has had the benefit of working with partners with special expertise in e.g. materials, chemical analysis, surface chemistry, pretreatment, adhesive, production technology, LCA and many different branches. The project was divided in five work packages. Mapping of requirements and evaluation methods Further development of dry pre-treatments with deeper understanding of surface and adhesive chemistry Practical adhesive study of technical effects with dry pretreatment Technical and economic evaluation of demonstrators Project management and dissemination