Debonding using exothermic reactions

In the constructive field, adhesive bonding technology is gaining greater significance since, in contrast with mechanical and thermal processes, no influences are exerted on the joining parts. The adhesive-bonded joints designed for the longest possible application time are irreversible in principle and this makes repair and extension concepts more difficult. Therefore, and also for reasons relating to sustainability and recycling, there is a great demand to be able to separate these joints with as little force as possible and without any residues. The portrayed investigations highlight a concept in which external activation (microwave radiation or induction heating) initiates exothermic-reacting substances in an adhesive matrix to such an extreme extent that the adherends can be debonded.