| Abstract Scope |
1K epoxy structural adhesives are crucial in automotive assembly, providing a lightweight solution and strong bonds for load-bearing frames and difficult substrates. In addition to meeting the specifications for adhesive performance, conducting corrosion cycle tests is critical due to the influence of chemical composition (pH, Tg, and CTE values), curing conditions, and environmental factors. This study utilized an innovative design of experiments (DOE) to assess how the interactions between chemical composition and curing conditions influence failure modes, lap-shear strength retention, and corrosion creep after hydrothermal aging and an OEM-specific cyclic corrosion test, allowing for a comparison of the results. Key findings highlight the optimal ratio of epoxy and curing agent needed to minimize the hydrolysis of the curing agent and toughener, reducing corrosion creep, identifying a "corrosion window effect," and addressing the factors behind the weak correlation between hydrothermal aging and the OEM-specific cyclic corrosion test results. |