Enhancing strength and toughness of adhesive joints via micro-structured mechanical interlocking

The potential to improve the mechanical properties of adhesive joints via micro-structured interlocking features is investigated. surfaces were fabricated in polycarbonate injection moulding from a master template. specimens then bonded an configuration form single lap and tested failure tension. Planar untreated (i.e. un-abraded) planar roughened abraded) samples also provide benchmarks. Compared case, results show that micro-structuring interface can yield up 95.9% increase strength 162% work failure. Increases beyond level are attributed features. As deformation proceeds, progressive bending each pair develops increasing resistive load which allows total significantly exceed case. Work increased combination maximum force, displacement enabled by microfeature more torturous crack path. Low clearances between found be favourable for owing reduced stiffness repeating periodic unit at interface.