Surface Preparation of Organic Matrix Composites (OMCs) for Structural Adhesive Bonding

ABSTRACT: General Lasertronics Corp. conducts research and develops laser systems for coating removal and surface preparation. Lasertronics has a laser process, which can be field deployed, that prepares the surface of OMCs for adhesive bonding. In trials for various aircraft manufacturing companies, the Lasertronics process has increased G1c bond strength by up to 75 percent and has reduced standard deviation of replicate measurements by 40 percent. This Phase I project will demonstrate these benefits for OMCs of interest to the Air Force. BENEFIT: OMCs are finding increased usage in military and commercial aerospace structures. Increased bond strength and reduced bond strength variability will reduce the cost of structures and the cost of aircraft operations by lowering aircraft weight while increasing strength.