Effect of surface texture on the mechanical performance of bonded joints: a review

Surface treatment before adhesive bonding is vital for improving both strength and durability of adhesively bonded joints by modifying surface characteristics. This article reviews the effect of surface texture on the strength of adhesive-bonded joints. It starts with a presentation of different adhesion mechanisms. Afterwards, the surface texture is classified into stochastic and structured surfaces, the effect of these textures on the wettability is then discussed. The influence of surface texture on quasi-static strength and fatigue behaviour of adhesively bonded joints is reviewed with a focus on the effect of structured surface parameters. This paper provides also an overview of the manufacturing process of structured surface texture for adhesive bonding applications. Finally, future trends in this research direction are highlighted and fundamental conclusions are drawn.