Graphene enhanced adhesives for spot welding

Purpose and goal

The project successfully brought together a relatively large number of academic, research and industrial actors that have combined competences to investigate the impact of graphene on industrial adhesives for car body spot welding and as binder for sandwich composites. The investigations included the filler selection, modification and formulation optimization, incorporation into commercial adhesives using scalable methods, analysis of squeeze flow morphology and resulting dielectric properties (pre-curing) and spot welding and composite manufacturing trials.

Expected results and effects

The project has identified potential filler candidates, suitable surfactants with strong potential implications to adhesive performance. The fillers were successfully mixed with standard as well as tailored adhesive compositions in scalable mixing conditions. The morphology of the filled adhesives was investigated in squeeze flow conditions and the resulting rheo-dielectric properties were analyzed. Moderate increase in electrical conductivity were reported, however, this was not sufficient to significantly improve the spot welding performance of the adhesives.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was comprised of 5 work packages (WP). One work package was dedicated to coordination and consortium building within the project, whereas the remaining 4 WPs were responsible for selection, sample preparation and performance analysis. Periodic update meetings were held with all the partners including one fysical meeting in Switzerland at the adhesive suppliers, as well as with separate value-chain partners. The consortium has the potential to develop into a more systematic study as spot welding performance remains a current industrial challenge of high importance.