The effect of PEEK fibres and powder on joints made with a high temperature adhesive

High temperature adhesives typically exhibit low levels of peel strength since they tend to be more brittle than typical toughened adhesives used for lower temperature applications. It was found that incorporating thermoplastic fibres or powder into the bondline of a joint made with a high temperature epoxy-based adhesive resulted in significant improvements in peel strength. Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) fibres and powder were incorporated into the adhesive resin and used in aluminium joints. These were tested in peel and single lap shear using a range of fibre lengths, orientations and volume fractions. It was seen that large increases in peel strength could be achieved but that lap shear strength was degraded with most types of modification. However, some modifications resulted in significant increases in peel strength with limited decrease in lap shear strength. These improved properties have been achieved using physical modifications rather than chemical alteration of the resin.