Title: Advances in Plasma Surface Engineering for High-Performance Composite Bonding

Authors: Daphne Pappas, Ryan Robinson, Dhia Ben Salem, Jake Charles, Khoren Sahagian, Sarah Montrowl

DOI:

Abstract: The performance and reliability of carbon fiber composites are critically influenced by the integrity of the fiber-matrix interface. This talk will provide an overview on the application of plasma surface treatments to improve surface properties across a range of aerospace-grade carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) and other polymer materials involving for example, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) components. The plasma treatment addresses the main challenges associated with the surface preparation of carbon composites prior to bonding and painting. A comparison of laser, flame-based and atmospheric plasma cleaning will be presented. The efficacy of atmospheric and vacuum plasma treatments in removing hydrocarbon-based mold release agents that inhibit bonding will also be discussed. Surface analysis methods such as water contact angle measurements confirm the complete elimination of release residues and the grafting of functional groups conducive to adhesion. This work underscores the potential of plasma surface engineering in composite manufacturing, offering scalable solutions for next-generation lightweight structures in automotive, and highperformance applications.

References: 1. A. Magd Wahab, Joining Composites with Adhesives: Theory and Applications Lancaster, PA: DEStech Publications, 2016. 2. D. Murthy, Improving the Adhesion of Glass/Polypropylene (Glass/PP) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Surfaces by Open Air Plasma Treatment, Masters Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2017. 3. E. Liston, Plasma Treatment for Improved Bonding: A Review, The Journal of Adhesion, 30 (1-4) (1989): 199-218. 4. S. Erden, K. Ho, S. Lamoriniere, A. Lee, H. Yildiz, A. Bismarck, Continuous Atmospheric Plasma Oxidation of Carbon Fibres: Influence on the Fibre Surface and Bulk Properties and Adhesion to Polyamide 12, Plasma Chemistry and Plasma Processing, 30 (2010): 471-487. 5. A. Nandi, A. Biswal, A. Nguyen, L. Nordyke, E. Behling, T. Foulds, K. Schultz and A. Vashisth, Comparative study of surface preparation for paint adhesion on CF-PEKK composites: Plasma, Chemical, and Flame treatment, Applied Surface Science, 669 (2024) 160533, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2024.160533. 6. V. Law, J. Mohan, F. O’Neill, A. Ivankovic, D. Dowling, Air Based Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Removal of FreKote 710-NC Prior to Composite-to-Composite Adhesive Bonding, International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 54, (2014), 72-81, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2014.05.001. 7. L. Strauss, A. Bruyas, R. Gonzalez, D. Pappas, D. Ben Salem, E. Krampe, T. Schmitt‐John, S. Leonhardt, Plasma surface modification and three‐dimensional structuring of additively manufactured polyetheretherketone implants for improvement of osseointegration, Plasma Process Polym. (2023) e2300082, https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.202300082.

Conference: SAMPE 2026

Publication Date: 2026/04/27

SKU: 127

Pages: 8

Price: $16.00