Laser surface treatments for adhesion improvement of aluminium alloys structural joints

Laser technology is proposed as a friendly alternative treatment to chemicals involved in conventional prebonding adherend treatments. Aluminium alloy 2024 substrates were laser treated with different beam diameters and energy densities, and bonded using a structural epoxy adhesive. The influence of irradiation conditions on adherends morphology and adhesive joints' fracture energy was investigated. On the basis of different morphologies observed, an explanation of the effect of the surface treatment upon joint mechanical behaviour is attempted. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.