Development of prediction of structural adhesive performance and durability

This project will identify the parameters necessary to develop a physically-based model of structural adhesive performance in automotive vehicles, and validate an initial model for adhesion failure. The development of the capability to model and predict structural adhesive performance over a vehicle life will increase confidence in adhesive performance, saving weight, cost and time.It aligns with the research remit of 'multifunctional materials' and 'Manufacturing the future' of EPSRC.

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This project will focus on molecular design of polymer adhesives through chemical modification and processing approaches. For automotive industry, the design of effective, durable and lightweight joints can enhance component performances, reduce fuel consumption and benefit environmental sustainability. The aims are to design intrinsic self-healing functions to allow the adhesives to have both high adhesion strength and cohesion strength; design the versatile interfacial adhesive properties, in particular tolerantly 'sticky' to dissimilar metal (aluminium) and polymer surfaces. The molecular design, structural characterisation, mechanical and adhesion properties will be investigated. The microstructure, adhesion properties and failure modes of the adhesive joints will be correlated. The novelty of this research is the molecular design strategies of engineering adhesives and the integration of self-healing, mechanical strength and adhesion.