Laser ablative surface treatment for enhanced bonding of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Adhesive bonding offers many advantages over mechanical fastening, but requires certification before it can be incorporated in primary structures for commercial aviation without disbond-arrestment features or redundant load paths. Surface preparation is widely recognized as the key step to producing robust and predictable adhesive bonds. Surface preparation by laser ablation provides an alternative to the expensive, hazardous, polluting, and less precise practices used currently such as chemical-dip, manual abrasion and grit blast. This report documents preliminary testing of a surface preparation technique using laser ablation as a replacement for the chemical etch and abrasive processes currently applied to Ti-6Al-4V alloy adherends. Surface roughness and surface chemical composition were characterized using interference microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. A technique for fluorescence visualization was developed which allowed for quantitative failure mode analysis. Wedge crack extension testing in a hot, humid environment indicated the relative effectiveness of various surface treatments. Increasing ablation duty cycle reduced crack propagation and adhesive failure. Single lap shear testing showed an increase in strength and durability as laser ablation duty cycle and power were increased. Chemical analyses showed trends for surface chemical species, which correlated with improved bond strength and durability.