Surface Structuring of CFRP by using Modern Excimer Laser Sources

High demands for lightweight construction can be attained by the use of carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) including one major challenge: the joining technology. Adhesive bonding may allow an increased utilization of the lightweight potential of CFRP. But this technology requires a surface pre-treatment because of residues of release agents. This paper describes surface pre-treatment of CFRP specimens by using modern excimer laser and the mechanical tests that compare the achieved strength to manually abraded ones. The laser process is suitable for achieving cohesive failure within the adhesive and bond strengths in the magnitude of the abraded specimen.