Factors affecting the fracture energy of a structural adhesive

Abstract

A fracture investigation was conducted on a modified epoxy adhesive (Metlbond 1113-2). Initially various adhesive fracture strength and energy tests and the mechanisms of mechanical and chemical adhesion were discussed. A critical study was then made of the sensitivity of the strain energy release rate·to specimen preparation. The rate and time dependence of the adhesive were then investigated using the TDGB specimen. The fractured surfaces were also studied using scanning electron microscopy to determine the mechanisms of failure.