Relationship between Energy release rate and crack propagation rate of moisture-deteriorated epoxy adhesives, using the double cantilever beam method

Abstract

Using of DCB (Double Cantilever Beam) specimens with deteriorated adhesive, the relationship between the G1C (mode 1 energy release rate), da/dN (crack propagation rate), and the fracture morphology were investigated. The specimens were prepared using a thermosetting epoxy adhesive containing CTBN, and adherends of acid cleaned aluminum plates. In order to accelerate the deterioration, the examinations were performed after immersing the open face specimens in water at 63 °C. As a result, the relationship between the effect of moisture deterioration and the adherend surface-treatment on the fracture morphology, and the relationship between G1C and da/dN were systematically clarified.