This study systematically analyzed the optimal process for maximizing shear bond strength in dissimilar joints between lightweight materials such as aluminum (Al) and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). To achieve this, a hybrid surface modificati...
This study systematically analyzed the optimal process for maximizing shear bond strength in dissimilar joints between lightweight materials such as aluminum (Al) and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). To achieve this, a hybrid surface modification strategy was employed, combining sulfuric acid anodization of Al and peel-ply treatment of CFRP, with the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to strengthen the bonding layer. The anodization of Al significantly increased the surface roughness (Ra) by approximately 6.7 times compared to the untreated state, forming a uniform micro- to nano-scale porous oxide layer that enhanced the mechanical bond. Simultaneously, the contact angle was significantly reduced from 77.55° to 14.7°, securing a superhydrophilic surface. This superhydrophilicity played a crucial role in enhancing the bonding strength by enabling the adhesive to fully penetrate the pores and minimizing interfacial voids. Furthermore, the Peel-Ply treatment of CFRP significantly increased the mechanical interlocking area and enhanced the interfacial shear load dissipation capacity by transferring the woven pattern of the fabric to the resin surface, creating microscopic irregularities. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) introduced into the adhesive layer effectively formed a stress-dispersing network and enhanced fracture toughness by inhibiting crack bridging and propagation. This nano-reinforcing effect was maximized when the MWCNT content was 0.6 wt.%. The optimized CF2/AA 0.6 specimen achieved a maximum shear strength of 15.094 MPa, which was approximately 178% higher than that of the untreated specimen. At 0.9 wt.%, a decrease in shear strength was observed due to excessive agglomeration of MWCNTs, which acted as stress concentration points. Analysis of the failure mechanism confirmed that the typical interfacial adhesive failure mode observed in the untreated specimen was converted to an internal failure mode (cohesive failure) within the adhesive layer in the optimized specimen. This technically verifies that the hybrid process successfully increases the interfacial strength beyond the internal strength of the adhesive layer itself.