Nanofilled epoxy adhesive for structural aeronautic materials

The aim of this work was to develop new adhesive formulations based on epoxy/nanostructured carbon forms. Different types of nanofillers were dispersed into an epoxy matrix for developing toughened epoxy paste aeronautic adhesives. The reinforced adhesives were used for bonding carbon nanofilled/epoxy composite adherents. Data were also compared to the results obtained both for the unfilled adhesive and/or adherents. Tensile butt joint, and single lap joint samples were prepared to measure mechanical strength and adhesion properties of the different joint configurations. The inclusion of carbon nanofillers inside the epoxy adhesive caused a significant improvement in the bond strength of the joints, changing the failure mode of joints in single lap joint shear tests. Significant change of the bonding performance was observed as the weight fraction of carbon nano-fillers increased from 1.37 to 5 wt/wt%. Adhesion between nano-reinforcements and adherents substrate was studied by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy.