The effect of pre-bond contamination by thermal degradation and de-icing fluid on the tensile strength of scarf composite bonded joints

Abstract

The synergistic effect of pre-bond contamination by thermal degradation and de-icing fluid on the tensile behavior of scarf composite bonded joints has been investigated experimentally. The contamination types considered are related to the repair process of composite aircraft structures. Three contamination scenarios have been considered: namely, thermal degradation (TD) and a combination of thermal degradation with two different levels of de-icing fluid (TD+DI1 and TD+DI2). DI2 is more severe than DI1. Contamination has been applied to one of the adherents while the other one has been intentionally left intact. Tension tests have been conducted on single-lap shear specimens. The experimental results were compared with the reference samples (REF) showing an increase in tensile strength for the TD specimens and a decrease in tensile strength for the TD+DI1 and TD+DI2 specimens. After the tension tests, the failure surfaces were evaluated to get a better insight of the failure mechanisms of the bondline and to assess the effect of contamination. The TD specimens presented an increased cohesive failure which is consistent with the increase of the failure load, while the combined contamination caused the failure of the composite adherents which again is consistent with the decrease of tensile strength of the scarf specimens.