Effect of vacuum-ultraviolet irradiation in a nitrogen gas atmosphere on the adhesive bonding of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composites

Recently, various physical surface treatment methods have been studied to improve the adhesive bonding strengths of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resins. Excellent surface treatment methods in terms of treatment time, effective irradiation distance, and strength reliability are required. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation on the bonding strength of a carbon-fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide under a nitrogen atmosphere. Various surface treatment parameters, such as the treatment time, irradiation distance, atmosphere, and standing time after the surface treatment, were changed. The adhesive strength, evaluated through a compression shear test, was improved by the VUV irradiation treatment. Additionally, the joint surface fracture changed from an interface fracture to a cohesive fracture of the adhesive or adherend. Furthermore, the joint strength was improved even when the irradiation distance was increased. Furthermore, oxygen-containing functional groups were introduced at the sample surface upon the VUV treatment, according to X-ray photoelectron spectra.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effect of vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) irradiation under a nitrogen atmosphere on the bonding strength of a carbon-fiber-reinforced polyphenylene sulfide. The results showed that VUV irradiation treatment improved adhesive strength and introduced oxygen-containing functional groups on the sample surface.