Mechanical Properties of the Combined Single Lap-Shear Connections with Graphene Doped Epoxy Adhesives

In this study, it is aimed to strengthen epoxy with graphene as an adhesive, because of recently the outstanding properties of graphene. For this purpose, the effects of graphene usage on shear strength of modified epoxy-based adhesives were examined. The shear strengths of the created bondings are investigated. For this goal, Al 2024-T3 sheet was used as a bonding material. While determining the mechanical properties of graphene-doped epoxy based adhesives, the experiments were carried out in accordance with ASTM D1002-10, single lap sheared connection. In order to carry out these processes, surface treatment of aluminum plates, formation of adhesive materials, bonding process and drawing casting of lap-shear samples to measure shear strength were applied respectively. Graphene were used in 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1% by weight. Five (5) samples were produced from each sample for the reliability of the experiments. Morphological structure and diameters of the formed samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The shear strength of the epoxy-based adhesive by adding Graphene resulted in an increase when compared to neat epoxy. On the other hand, the ultimate shear strain of the modified adhesives decreased by adding the nano particles into the epoxy resin.