Improved Nanoreinforced Composite Material Bonds with Potential Sensing Capabilities

Dramatic increase in the bond strength of composite/adhesive interfaces of nanoreinforced composite material joints and structures has been achieved using laser-assisted fabrication of MicroColumn Arrays (MCA) on the surface of the two materials prior to bonding. Several advantages of the MCA technology resulting in drastic improvement of virtually any bond include: interlocking of the adhesive material between micro columns, about 10-fold increase of the specific surface area, inherent elasticity of the micro columns, enhanced resistance to hygrothermal failures, substantially improved wettability, and control over the surface chemistry. In order to take advantage of the unique electrical properties of both composite materials and the Carbon Nanotube (CNT) reinforced adhesive, experiments were performed to evaluate the potential of using electrical response of the bonded material to applied stress. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]