Effect of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment on the Mode I Fracture Toughness of a Co-Cured Composite Joint |
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Authors: | J. Mohan A. Ramamoorthy A. Ivanković D. Dowling |
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Affiliation: | Centre of Adhesion and Adhesives, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering , University College Dublin , Belfield , Dublin , Ireland |
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Abstract: | In this study, the surface of a composite prepreg was treated using an atmospheric pressure plasma in an attempt to improve the fracture toughness of a co-cured joint system. Three gas mixtures were investigated; helium, helium/nitrogen, and helium/oxygen. The processing parameters of the system were varied to obtain the maximum increase in surface energy of the prepreg. A He/O2 plasma was found to be the most efficient treatment, giving the largest increase in surface energy in the shortest time. Co-cured joints were then fabricated using prepreg that had been treated with various plasmas. A modest 15–18% increase in the Mode I fracture toughness was achieved. However, the locus of failure remained interfacial. It was also observed that a He/O2 plasma treatment could be detrimental to joint toughness for long treatment times. |
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Keywords: | Composites Fracture mechanics Surface treatment by excited gases (e.g., flame, corona, plasma) |
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