Dr Ali Keshavarzi, Dr Hamed Saeidi Googarchin,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Adhesively bonded joints, particularly those featuring Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) adherends, have become indispensable in aerospace and automotive industries due to their superior strength-to-weight ratios. However, the long-term structural integrity of these joints is severely challenged by hygrothermal environments (the synergistic effect of moisture and temperature) which induces degradation in both the polymer matrix and the adhesive interface. This review provides a systematic discourse on the fundamental principles of composites, nanotechnology, and the mechanisms of environmental aging. It critically analyzes various joint configurations and failure modes, such as cohesive and adhesive failures, under adverse conditions. A significant portion of this study is dedicated to the efficacy of incorporating zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanoparticles to enhance the environmental resilience of epoxy adhesives. Furthermore, this review evaluates the recent advancements in Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) for predicting the residual strength and fracture energy of aged joints through environment-dependent traction-separation laws. This work identifies critical gaps in accelerated aging methodologies and highlights the necessity for high-fidelity predictive models to ensure the safety of hybrid structures in high-stakes engineering applications.
