Effect of vacuum ultraviolet light irradiation on bond strength of carbon fiber/polyimide composite

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light irradiation on the thermal fusion bonding strength of carbon fiber/thermosetting polyimide composite laminates (CF/PI) at high temperatures. Thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) film was used as a hot-melt adhesive. The adherend (CF/PI) surfaces were irradiated by the VUV light (172nm) for 4min in a low oxygen atmosphere (0.2±0.1%), followed by the thermal bonding of two CF/PI specimens with TPI film adhesive under 320°C. The bonding shear strengths was from 19.4MPa to 21.0MPa at 150, and 200°C through the VUV light irradiation process. The strength data of the specimens irradiated with VUV light on the surface of the adherend (CF / PI) were significantly scattered.