Laser surface texturing of polypropylene to increase adhesive bonding

In this paper, the main parameters of laser surface texturing of polymeric substrates have been studied. The final aim of the texturing is to increase the performance of bonded joints of grey-pigmented polypropylene substrates. The experimental investigation was carried out starting from the identification of the most effective treatment parameters, in order to achieve a good texture without compromising the characteristics of the bulk material. For each of these parameters, three values were individuated and 27 sets of samples were realised. The surface treatment was analysed and related to the mechanical characteristics of the bonded joints performing lap-shear tests. A statistical analysis in order to find the most influential parameter completed the work.