Superior dissimilar adhesive joint of mild steel and aluminium using UDM processed epoxy based TiO2 nano-filler composite adhesive

Characteristics of the lap joints of mechanically and chemically treated faying surface of dissimilar metals (Mild Steel and Aluminium) prepared by using UDM processed TiO2-epoxy nano composite adhesive was investigated. Influence of the extent of TiO2 nano (25-35 nm) particle reinforcement (5, 10 and 15 wt%) in the composite adhesive on the improvement of tensile lap shear strength of the adhesive joints has been studied. Effect of bond line thickness of the adhesive in lap joints of the differently treated faying surfaces of the dissimilar metals on lap shear strength of the joints has also been studied. The joints of 10 wt% TiO2 nano-filler content epoxy adhesive shows maximum lap shear strength of the joints. Its lap shear strength was also studied at elevated temperatures in the range of 100-250 °C. In order to establish the potentials of nano composite adhesive to relatively improve the properties of the joint, the lap shear strength of the adhesive joint of neat epoxy adhesive was also studied and compared.