The Effect of Zirconate Addition on the Joint Properties of Epoxy Adhesive for Car Body Assembly

Abstract The effect of zirconate having - NH functional group on the T-peel and lap shear strength of CaCO 3 containing structural epoxy adhesive for car body assembly was investigated. Curing behavior of epoxy adhesive samples were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) techniques. The addition of zirconate up to 7.5 phr did not affect the curing mechanism of epoxy adhesive. While the small amount of zirconate addition less than 1.1 phr increased the cross-linking density, the excess addition of zirconate resulted in the increase of uncross-linked impurity. From the increase of T-peel and lap shear strength and the change of fracture mode from the adhesive failure to the mixed one, it was considered that the small addition of zirconate was effective in improving the adhesion strength of epoxy adhesive to the adherend and inorganic filler surfaces. The formation of uncross-linked impurity with the excess addition of zirconate was considered to decrease the joint strength by decreasing the cohesive strength of the cured epoxy.Key Words : Structural adhesive, Epoxy, Coupling agent, Zirconate, T-peel strength, Lap shear strength