Enhancing co-cure joint performance using GPTMS-modified stainless steel mesh reinforcement: Interleaved versus conventional configurations

Adhesive bonding is a widely used technique in large-scale composite manufacturing for joining fibre-reinforced laminates. This study introduces an innovative modification to single-lap joint (SLJ) fabrication through co-curing, employing novel interleaved and conventional lamination methods, incorporating untreated and 3-Glycidyloxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) treated stainless steel 304 wire mesh (SS 304) reinforcement. The study investigates the impact of these reinforcements on vibrational and shear properties of various SLJ configurations, such as Plain SLJ (PSLJ), Mesh-reinforced SLJ (MSLJ), Interleaved Mesh SLJ (IMSLJ), GPTMS-treated Mesh SLJ (GMSLJ), and GPTMS-treated Interleaved Mesh SLJ (GIMSLJ) with 1 wt% glass powder adhesive. Results showed that the shear strength increased by 76.97%, 64.55%, 56.79%, and 44.59% for GIMSLJ, GMSLJ, IMSLJ, and MSLJ, respectively, compared to PSLJ (35.72%) and pure epoxy SLJ. Furthermore, GIMSLJ and GMSLJ with 1 wt% glass powder adhesive exhibited a higher natural frequency compared to other reinforced SLJ. Fractography revealed that the incorporation of conventional stainless steel mesh (over the adhesive layer) and interleaved stainless steel mesh, along with 1wt% glass powder adhesive, enhances interfacial bonding between the adhesive and adherend. Additionally, a one-way (ANOVA analysis of variance) was performed using JMP Pro 18 software to identify significant differences in the results.