Date of Award

7-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Legacy Department

Mechanical Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

OMAR, Mohammad A

Committee Member

Grujicic , Mica

Committee Member

Li , Gang

Abstract

The work focuses on the analysis of non-load bearing, two component adhesives used in joining the automotive closures. The study is concerned with the thermo-gravimetric and the calorimetric attributes of the 2K adhesive. The study includes the impact of the robotic applicators capability, in terms of the mixing ratio between the resin and the hardener, and the mechanical mixing quality. A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) procedure analyzes the adhesive chemical groups and tracks the growth and decay of the hydroxyl and epoxy peaks. Additionally, the cure-rate based on a reaction-type, is investigated through a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The variations in the Glass-Transition and Melting temperatures are also quantified. The Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) quantifies the impact of holding time duration and conditions on the adhesive volatile content. Further, the final curing profile is investigated through the volatile evaporation rates. Adhesive application and bead placement is also evaluated using micrographs to ensure corrosion resistant and void free joints. Results from FTIR and DSC analyses revealed that; FTIR peaks can be used to determine mixing quality and curing behavior of two component adhesives qualitatively whereas DSC can be used to quantify it.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.