Adhesive joining technologies activated by electro-magnetic external trims

Abstract Joining is a key and fundamental aspect of vehicle design and manufacturing process. The development of efficient, simple, inexpensive and reversible adhesive bonding technologies offers low cost, improved life cycle and recycling solutions for a vehicle. This innovative technology is based on magneto sensitive nanoparticles dispersed into the adhesive. Different typologies of susceptors, embedded in thermoplastic hot-melt adhesives, have been tested to investigate the thermal behavior of these innovative materials when exposed to electromagnetic fields. These innovative technologies are intended to optimize the bonding process offering new opportunities connected with cost reduction, improved resistance to applied loads, easy and rapid dismantling and smart recycling. Experimental procedures to optimize the electromagnetic process have been performed. Results about both shear strength and sliding temperature of the modified adhesives are presented.