On the influence of polymer surface layer thickness on the adhesion of composite assembly. Differences between initial state and thermal ageing.

Bonding of composite materials with an adhesive layer is one of the most promising alternatives to classical bonding techniques. The use of several surface treatments may greatly increase this adhesion behavior at the initial state. Then in order to see the influence of the thickness of polymer matrix on the adhesion of composite assembly, different surface treatment, which can reduce or increase this thickness, are used (peel ply, tear ply, excimer laser). The influence of this specific parameter is not only discussed at the initial state but also after thermal ageing of the whole bonded assembly. Results show that the best performances at the initial state are not obviously the best performances after ageing.