Electrochemical Characterization of Electrically Induced Adhesive Debonding

This study concerns with controlled debonding of adhesive generated with electricity. This is a concept which could potentially be used in a wide range of applications, such as light-weight automotives, which can be easily recyclable at the touch of a button. The studied material is produced as a laminate with an epoxy adhesive bonded between aluminium foils. An electrochemical investigation of these debonding adhesives was performed. A three-electrode system with a circular quasi-reference electrode was validated and used together with electrical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope. It was found that the resistance at the debonding anodic interface of the laminate increased during polarization. This increase in resistance was shown to be reversible at open circuit. During the polarization, aluminium compounds were produced at the anode. These compounds grew to penetrate the adhesive. A debonding mechanism based on increasing mechanical stresses at the anodic interface is proposed.