Using in situ polymerisation to enhance adhesion of dissimilar materials

Dissimilar material bonding is a challenge constantly being considered within engineering. This paper presents method for tailoring metal surfaces by covalently grafting polymers that are directly complimentary to their respective dissimilar material. Acrylic acid was grafted onto the surface of aluminium which subsequently bonded poly-lactic (PLA), nylon-6, and nylon-6/carbon fiber hybrid via hot pressing. Improvements over 500% 100% in lap shear strength were observed when Nylon-6 Nylon-6/carbon joints, respectively, while no improvements PLA. Poly (acrylic acid) A36 Steel adhered commercial joining epoxy adhesive showed an improvement 49% strength. shows electro-grafting can be used both supplement existing techniques but also act as avenue interfaces create novel, free opportunities with thermoplastics.