TPRC publication studies the effects of grit-blasting on titanium-thermoplastic composite joints
Researcher Vanessa Marinosci studies the correlation between mechanical performance and titanium surface morphology of co-consolidated Ti6Al4V-C/PEKK joints.

Schematic representation of the co-consolidation process. Photo Credit: Vanessa M. Marinosci, Wouter J.B. Grouve, Matthjn B. de Rooij, Sebastiaan Whijskamp and Remko Akkerman.
ThermoPlastic composites Research Center (TPRC, Enschede, Netherlands) researcher Vanessa Marinosci has recently published an article called “” in the International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives. In the article, the correlation between mechanical performance and titanium surface morphology of co-consolidated Ti6Al4V-C/PEKK joints is described.
Various surface morphologies were obtained by grit-blasting the titanium surface using different blasting pressures. Subsequently, test coupons were manufactured by co-consolidating titanium-unidirectional C/PEKK in an autoclave. Topographical characterization of the titanium surface and evaluation of interfacial fracture toughness were carried out, in order to correlate joint mechanical performance to titanium's . Furthermore, crack surface analysis was conducted, by means of , to identify and quantify the failure mechanisms driving joint mechanical performance.
The research was conducted by TPRC in collaboration with the University of Twente (UT, Enschede, Netherlands). The financial support of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the TPRC members is gratefully acknowledged.
For more information on this topic, for the next episode of the TPRC Talks “Joining with Thermoplastic Composites: Facing the Interface” on June 28, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. CET (10:00 a.m. EST).
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Airbus, Illescas, Spain
Airbus’ Illescas facility, featuring highly automated composites processes for the A350 lower wing cover and one-piece Section 19 fuselage barrels, works toward production ramp-ups and next-generation aircraft.
-
Combining multifunctional thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing for next-gen airframe structures
The DOMMINIO project combines AFP with 3D printed gyroid cores, embedded SHM sensors and smart materials for induction-driven disassembly of parts at end of life.
-
Welding is not bonding
Discussion of the issues in our understanding of thermoplastic composite welded structures and certification of the latest materials and welding technologies for future airframes.