Effect of GNP and MWCNT Addition on Lap Shear Strength of Adhesively Bonded Joints

This research explores the experimental effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) inclusion on the strength properties of bonded single lap joints. GNPs and MWCNTs were added in the amount of 1 wt% in high-strength epoxy adhesive Araldite 2011. Mixing of the nano-particles in the adhesive was carefully carried out for uniform dispersion GNPs and MWCNTs. The substrate used in fabrication of the joints was Al 5083. Room temperature testing of the joints was carried out to evaluate the load displacement behavior. A comparison of strength between joints was made after the testing. The results of the comparison showed a substantial increase of the joint strength of reinforced joints. An improvement of 59.69% and 28.84% in lap shear strength was observed with the added MWCNTs and GNPs, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used for high magnification analysis of fracture surfaces.