Optimization of Carbon Fiber Bonding Parameters

Application of carbon fiber reinforced polimer (CFRP) is growing in all industry branches, such as aeronautics, automotive, military, space industries, etc. An excellent ratio of weight to strength, high impact toughness and corrosion resistance, as well as possibility of bonding by gluing make CFRP suitable for various applications in the mentioned industries. Extensive application of CFRP requires continuous research into their improvements and properties, in order to exploit their potentials to the maximum. In the conducted experiment, there were various combinations of operating parameters varied for the purpose of analyzing their individual and joint influence on the properties of glued joints. By optimizing the input variables of the experiment (type of glue, mass and curing temperature), which have a significant role in changing the characteristics of the bond, it is possible to define the best combination that can deliver the best tensile-shear properties. Tensile-shear strength is selected as an output variable of the experiment and as desired property for optimization. The implementation of the central composite design and the statistical analysis of data result in mathematical models on the basis of which it is possible to influence the observed and desired properties of such bonds in a short time, i.e. it is possible to obtain concrete values of individual parameters that will ensure the best tensile-shear strength.