Developments in Laminate Modification of Adhesively Bonded Composite Joints

The use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials is increasing in many different industries, such as those operating in the aviation, marine, and automotive sectors. In these applications, composite parts are often joined with other composite or metallic parts, where adhesive bonding plays a key role. Unlike conventional joining methods, adhesive bonding does not add weight or require the drilling of holes, both of which are major sources of stress concentration. The performance of a composite joint is dependent on multiple factors and can be improved by modifying the adhesive layer or the composite layup of the adherend. Moreover, joint geometry, surface preparation, and the manufacturing methods used for production are also important factors. The present work reviews recent developments on the design and manufacture of adhesively bonded joints with composite substrates, with particular interest in adherend modification techniques. The effects of stacking sequence, use of thin-plies, composite metal laminates and its specific surface preparations, and the use of toughened surface layers in the composite adherends are described for adhesively bonded CFRP structures.