Evaluation of the Strength of CFRP Adhesive Joints Manufactured using VARTM

Abstract

Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) is commonly used to form large and complex structures from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. These structures are manufactured from several parts, which are joined to form the final structure. Therefore, the mechanical performance of the adhesive joints is critical. In this paper, we describe the use of a stitching technique with two different adhesive joints. The first joint is constructed with two dry carbon fiber parts, and the second from dry carbon fiber fabric and CFRP. All samples were fabricated in our laboratory using VARTM manufacturing techniques. Specimens were prepared for tensile tests to characterize the performance of the joints. The results show that the joint constructed using two dry carbon fiber parts was stronger than that using dry carbon fiber fabric and CFRP. Furthermore, the stitching technique increased the strength of the former, whereas the strength of the latter decreased when stitching was applied.