Adhesive joints using aluminium and CFRP substrates tested at low and high temperatures under quasi-static and impact conditions for the automotive industry

The use of adhesives to bond metallic and composite structural components has increased substantially over the last decades. The aim of this work is to understand and predict the behaviour of dissimilar adhesive joints, using composite and aluminium substrates, under quasi-static and impact loads. Several testing temperatures (−30 to 80 °C) were considered, following the requirements for the automotive industry. It was possible to conclude that dissimilar adhesive joints, if used in conjunction with modern crash resistant adhesives, can effectively be used for the construction of automotive structures, without significant sacrifices in joint performance, with good energy absorption capabilities under impact.