Increasing the Polarity of the Aluminum Surface and TPENR Matrix with the Addition 3-GPS and PE-g-MAH as a Coupling Agent to Improve the Lap Shear Strength of Al-TPENR Laminated Composite

In this study, we analyzed the essence of surface treatment of the aluminium surface and a coupling agent to better adhesion between aluminium with thermoplastic epoxidized natural rubber (TPENR). Thermoplastic epoxidized natural rubber (TPENR) matrix was prepared by melt blending of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) as a compatibilizer, and polyethylene grafted Maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) as a coupling agent. The PE-g-MAH concentration used was varied from 0% - 30%. In addition, the aluminium surface was pre-treated with 3-glycidoxy propyl trimethoxy silane (3-GPS) to enhance the mechanical properties and chemical interaction of laminated composite. It was found that the shear strength of the single lap joint Al-TPENR laminated composite showing an increasing trend as a function of PE-g-MAH contents for the 3-GPS surface treated aluminium. Moreover, the FTIR-ATR, XPS and SEM analysis revealed that the strength improvement was linked up with the chemical state of the compound involved.