Bond Strength of Co-Bonded Thermoplastic Leading Edge Protection (LEP): The Effect of Processing-Driven Interphase Morphology

Integrated leading edge protection (InLEP) is a novel LEP method that involves co-bonding tough thermoplastic to the blade shell of wind turbine made fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer. In process, as result interdiffusion bonded and polymers, an interphase formed between them. An important factor affecting level cure temperature. this work, we investigate influence temperature on morphology bond strength ABS-polyester/glass PC-polyester/glass hybrid composites. The composites are manufactured via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding. Interphase observed thickness measured optical microscopy. Bond tested climbing drum peel testing subsequently, fractography analysis carried out fractured samples. It was found both decrease with increase in at high temperatures accompanied by extent interfacial failure, while failure low promoted higher strength.