Effect of surface treatment on fatigue behavior of metal/carbon fiber laminates

The tension–tension fatigue behavior of metal/ fiber laminates (MFLs) has been investigated. These MFLs were produced with carbon fiber and by treating the aluminum foil to promote adhesion bonding by two methods: sulfuric–boric–oxalic acid anodization (SBOA) and chromic acid anodization (CAA). The surface treatments were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques and roughness measurements. It was observed that MFL specimens produced with SBOA treatments presents comparable mechanical results when compared with MFLs produced with CAA treatment. Microstructural observations of the fracture surfaces by SEM show hackle formation is the predominant damage mechanism.