System and method for improving thermoset-thermoplastic interface adhesion

A method for improving interface strength between joined parts, the method comprising:

• providing an amine-functionalized substrate;
• positioning a first surface of the amine-functionalized substrate adjacent to a second surface of a second substrate to form a workpiece, wherein the amine-functionalized substrate is provided as a first substrate treated with a plasma;
• heating the workpiece to form a heated workpiece;
• cooling the heated workpiece to form a structure;
• and
• positioning a third surface of the structure adjacent to a fourth surface of a third substrate, the third surface of the structure being a fifth surface of the first substrate, the fifth surface opposing the first surface,
• wherein the second surface of the second substrate is directly covalently bonded through a plurality of nitrogen atoms to the first surface of the first substrate, and
• wherein the first substrate includes a plurality of rubber particles having a particle concentration that increases from the fifth surface to the first surface.

A method for joining components, the method comprising:

• providing a first substrate;
• exposing the first substrate to a plasma such that an amine-functionalized substrate is formed, wherein the amine-functionalized substrate comprises amine chemical moieties disposed on a first surface of the first substrate;
• positioning the first surface of the first substrate adjacent to a second surface of a second substrate comprising an epoxy material to form a workpiece such that the first surface contacts the second surface;
• heating the workpiece to form a heated workpiece;
• cooling the heated workpiece to form a structure;
• and
• positioning a third surface of the structure adjacent to a fourth surface of a third substrate, the third surface of the structure being a fifth surface of the first substrate, the fifth surface opposing the first surface,
• wherein the second surface of the second substrate is directly covalently bonded through a plurality of nitrogen atoms and a plurality of carbon atoms to the first surface of the first substrate, and
• wherein the first substrate includes a plurality of rubber particles having a particle concentration that increases from the fifth surface to the first surface.