Surface modification of titanium by atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for adhesive bonding and its application to aviation and space

Conference paper (2010)

Authors

M. Akram Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
S. Bhowmik Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering
K.M.B. Jansen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
L.J. Ernst Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Research Group
Computational Design and Mechanics (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
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Published Date

2010

Language

English

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Computational Design and Mechanics

Abstract

Titanium is one of the most effective materials for structural application of space craft
and aviation. Titanium alloys are widely used in solid rocket booster cases, guidance
control pressure vessel and other different applications demanding light weight and
reliability. Aerospace industry is also a larger market for titanium products and
adhesive bonding is advantageous in terms of its fabrication. However, surface
treatment of titanium alloy is critical in improving the adhesive bond strength and long
term durability of the adhesive joint. In this investigation surface treatment of titanium
is carried out by plasma ion implantation in order to increase adhesive bond strength
and durability. Optical microscopic and SEM analysis of untreated and atmospheric
plasma treated specimens is carried out to examine the surface characteristics. A
substantial improvement in the surface energy of Titanium is observed after the
atmospheric plasma treatment. The Treated surface was basically characterized by
contact angle analyzer for the activation property on the surface. The surface energy
of titanium surface increases with increasing exposure time of atmospheric pressure
plasma. The optimized time of plasma treatment suggested in this investigation
results maximum adhesive bond strength with polyimide adhesive and consequently,
this technology is highly acceptable for aviation and space applications.

Key Words: Titanium, Surface modification, Atmospheric pressure plasma and
Surface Energy, Adhesive bonding