Specimens manufacture and Methods
The TEPs-modified adhesive was spun with a Speed Mixer (DAC 150.1 FVZ Speedmixer, Hauschild, Germany) at 2500 rev/min for 1 min. This caused the formation of an efficient and homogeneous dispersion, which was bubble-free.
Analyses and tests that were performed on the mixture were - SEM(Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis, Tensile Tests, DCB (Double Cantilever Beam) Tests and Thermal Tests.
SEM analysis was used to check the TEPs-modified adhesive cured matrix structure and it turned out to be a uniform dispersion of particles. Bulk “dogbone-shaped” and DCB specimens with TEPs percentage weights - 0 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt% and 15 wt% TEPs, were produced. Whereas for the thermal analysis, specimens with six TEPs percentage weights - 0 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt%, 15 wt%, 25 wt% and 50 wt%, were manufactured.
For tensile tests, the “dogbone” specimens were subjected to tension and the displacement caused due to it was recorded. For DCB tests, the specimens were kept at RT at a constant displacement rate of 1 mm/min.In each case four joints were tested to failure. Loads and displacements to failure were recorded.