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Journal of Adhesion, Vol.87, No.4, 291-312, 2011
Morphology and Surface Chemistry of Kissing Bonds in Adhesive Joints Produced by Using ElectRelease Adhesive
Kissing bonds are interfacial defects in which the substrate and adhesive are in intimate contact or couple through a weak bond or a thin layer of contaminant. In this study, the kissing bonds were produced by applying a low voltage to bonded specimens with an electrically disbonding adhesive, ElectRelease. The results from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, indicated morphological changes that were observed at, or near, the weakened hardened steel/ElectRelease interface while chemical changes were determined at the interface and also within the adhesive after the application of a voltage. The adhesive chemistry and its curing mechanisms were better understood using Raman spectroscopy. A shift of a Raman peak to a higher wave number confirmed the results from EDS and could explain the weakening mechanisms at such interface and/or interphase. A considerable reduction in joint strength from mechanical testing for the joints subjected to the electric field was found.