Surface preparation
Bonding composites - Characteristics and choice of adhesives

Composites can be treated and bonded in the same way as their matrix polymer. We therefore refer the reader to the article on bonding [A 3 758] in this treatise. Here, however, we will examine in detail the surface preparation methods specific to composite materials. We will not, of course, deal with the surface treatment of reinforcing fibers ("sizing") to promote the adhesion of resins to the fibers, as this has already been covered in the articles on the manufacture of composite materials and reinforcing fibers (see specialized articles in this treatise).