The mechanics of adhesive bonds in bio-based composities

The formation of mechanically stable and durable bonds between wood or plant fibres and adhesives is crucial to the manufacture of bio-based composites. While the chemistry of adhesives and wetting of bio-based materials by adhesives are well studied, the mechanics of adhesive bonds, and in particular the role of the interphase in adhesive assemblies poses a field where research is needed. The project proposed here intends to conduct fundamental studies on the structural and chemical variability, and on the distribution of mechanical properties across the interphase between bio-based material and adhesives. Additionally, the distribution of strains and thus patterns of deformation in the interphase, but also in larger pieces of composites will be measured. Based on these experimental results, finite element modelling of adhesive assemblies will be performed to identify mechanisms of stress transfer in adhesive assemblies. Finally, suggestions for the improvement of stress transfer and thus stability of adhesive bonds will be developed.

The formation of mechanically stable and durable bonds between wood or plant fibres and adhesives is crucial to the manufacture of bio-based composites. While the chemistry of adhesives and wetting of bio-based materials by adhesives are well studied, the mechanics of adhesive bonds, and in particular the role of the interphase in adhesive assemblies poses a field where research is needed. The project proposed here intends to conduct fundamental studies on the structural and chemical variability, and on the distribution of mechanical properties across the interphase between bio-based material and adhesives. Additionally, the distribution of strains and thus patterns of deformation in the interphase, but also in larger pieces of composites will be measured. Based on these experimental results, finite element modelling of adhesive assemblies will be performed to identify mechanisms of stress transfer in adhesive assemblies. Finally, suggestions for the improvement of stress transfer and thus stability of adhesive bonds will be developed.