Thermodynamic simulation, surface morphology and bending property of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite material subjected to laser cleaning

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) has been regarded as an important candidate as structural components in structural engineering. With purpose of removing the epoxy resin and contaminants and in turn enhancing the bonding strength between CFRP and other materials, a nanosecond laser was used to remove the epoxy resin and contaminates on CFRP composites. A thermodynamics model was established to investigate the temperature field distribution, influences of laser power density and laser scanning speed on the cleaning effect, and therefore provide theoretical reference for cleaning experiments. The results showed that the laser power density of 8.8 kW.cm−2 and scanning speed of 1000 mm/s are preferred for an excellent cleaning effect. The cleaned surface presented a higher surface free energy, which in turn improved the tensile shear strength and bending strength. The failure mechanisms for the joints between TC4 and CFRP depend on laser power density for laser cleaning treatment.