Can carbon fibre parts be glued and if so, what adhesives and preparation are recommended?
All our carbon fibre sheets and parts can be bonded. Lots of different types of adhesive bond very well to carbon fibre but in our line of work (mainly using the sheets in automotive applications) we tend us use black Sikaflex which is a flexible polyurethane adhesive (Tigerseal is an alternative brand). Sikaflex cures to a slightly rubbery finish which is good for sheet or parts in applications where they will be subject to shocks or vibration (like on a car or boat). As for preparation, just make sure the surface is completely free from dirt, grease, polishing wax etc. (do this using Acetone, Nail Polish Remover etc.) or for the ultimate bond just key the surface up a little with some abrasive paper (like 400 grit). Our pre-preg carbon fibre products have a pattern on their reverse side from the vacume process that is already perfect to bond too so these need little or no preparation prior to bonding.
