Influence of moisture sorption and filler content on the performance of aluminum joints bonded by aluminum filled epoxy

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop information on the effects of moisture sorption and the filler content on the mechanical performance of aluminum joints bonded by aluminum powder filled epoxy. Moisture diffusion tests show that the adhesives adsorb a larger amount of water upon exposure to distilled water than when exposed to different sodium chloride solutions and seawater. The moisture diffusion rate in the adhesive immersed in a test solution is, however, proportional to the salt concentration of the solution. On the other hand, there is no significant effect of aluminum filler content on moisture diffusivity in epoxy adhesive specimens while the addition of aluminum filler into epoxy decreases the total amount of water intake at saturation. It is also shown in this study that epoxy adhesive retains its strength with as much as 50 wt