Adhesive bonding of carbon fibre/epoxy laminates: Correlation between surface and mechanical properties

► Properties of carbon fibre/epoxy laminates and their adhesive joints were analysed. ► The treatments applied were peel ply, grit blasting and atmospheric plasma. ► Properties of adhesive joints are correlated with the surface properties of laminates. ► Mechanical interlocking is the adhesion mechanism predominating in mode I tests. ► Lap shear strength depends on the chemical characteristics of the laminates.