<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">WJET</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>World Journal of Engineering and Technology</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2331-4222</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/wjet.2018.62020</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">WJET-84507</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Chemistry&amp;Materials Science</subject><subject> Engineering</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Determination of Bonding Failures in Transparent Materials with Non-Destructive Methods—Evaluation of Climatically Stressed Glued and Laminated Glass Compounds
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Christin</surname><given-names>Sirtl</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Matthias</surname><given-names>Kraus</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Christiane</surname><given-names>Hadlich</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Andrea</surname><given-names>Osburg</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Department of Building Chemistry and Polymer Materials, Bauhaus University of Weimar, Weimar, Germany</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Department of Steel and Hybrid Structures, Bauhaus University of Weimar, Weimar, Germany</addr-line></aff><author-notes><corresp id="cor1">* E-mail:<email>christin.sirtl@uni-weimar.de(CS)</email>;</corresp></author-notes><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>09</day><month>05</month><year>2018</year></pub-date><volume>06</volume><issue>02</issue><fpage>315</fpage><lpage>331</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>21,</day>	<month>February</month>	<year>2018</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>12,</day>	<month>May</month>	<year>2018</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>15,</day>	<month>May</month>	<year>2018</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  As part of an international research project—funded by the European Union—capillary glasses for facades are being developed exploiting storage energy by means of fluids
   
  flowing through the capillaries. To meet highest visual demands, acrylate adhesives and EVA films are tested as possible bonding materials for the glass setup. Especially non-destructive methods (visual analysis, analysis of birefringent properties and computed tomographic data) are applied to evaluate failure patterns as well as the long-term behavior considering climatic influences. The experimental investigations are presented after different loading periods, providing
   
  information of failure developments. In addition,
   
  detailed information and scientific findings on the application of
   
  computed tomographic analyses are presented
  .
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Non-Destructive Testing</kwd><kwd> Bonding Methods</kwd><kwd> Computed Tomography</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>In order to meet European climate regulations [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref1">1</xref>] , large facades are to be actively involved in the energy supply of buildings. The high transmission of glass panes can be utilized to harvest solar energy and to contribute to the building technology system [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref2">2</xref>] .</p><p>Within the framework of a research project, rolled capillary glasses are developed to be applied in insulating glass units (IGU) as shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>(a). The</p><p>schematic setup of the units is presented in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>(b). A fluid circulating through the capillaries enables an energy/heat storage and transfer by heat exchangers. Two channels, which are arranged at the top and bottom of the pane and which are connected to the building technology system (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>(c)), distribute the fluid to and collect it from the capillaries. Next to the energy saving and insulating function of the IGU (see <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>(d)), further applications are possible. The capillary unit can for example be used as a direct heating or cooling device in this context. It can also be applied in partition walls of offices or public buildings to contribute to a comfortable room climate. Furthermore, the employed fluid can be enhanced to a magneto-active liquid, enabling tunable shading functions (see [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref3">3</xref>] ).</p><p>The bonding between capillary and cover glass has to satisfy high demands in terms of strength, transparency and durability (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>). However, the long-term behavior is influenced by atmospheric impacts (temperature change, fluid contact, UV irradiation) as well as static loads (wind suction and pressure, capillary pressure of the fluid).</p><p>At the University of Weimar, the long-term behavior of suitable bonding materials under atmospheric influences is investigated and described. With the help of non-destructive methods, the authors want to attain information on the aging process in transparent connections and on corresponding failure developments, respectively. The results will be used to improve and develop numerical models for aging plastic materials in future.</p><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref></label><caption><title> Required criteria of bonded glass-glass connections</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Visual requirements</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Long-term resistance against</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Mechanical requirements</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >- Highly transparent joint over time - Colorless - Non-porous</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >- Temperature - Humidity - Fluid (glycol mixture) - UV-radiation</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Durable load-bearing functioning and high adhesion of the connection in a temperature range of −20˚C to +80˚C and under fluid attack</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Two different types of bonding materials are chosen for testing, namely acrylate adhesives and EVA films. UV-curing acrylate adhesives meet the visual requirements, which is one of the highest priorities in the selection of the bonding materials. In addition, an EVA film (ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer film) is tested as a bonding material. As suitable material for glass lamination [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref4">4</xref>] , it is chosen for reasons of strength and high transparency, whereas the material behavior for artificial aging is to be analyzed.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Components and Bonding Materials</title><p>The functional capillary unit (capillary glass, bonding layer and cover glass) consists of a glass pane with capillary structure made of soda lime silicate glass (produced in float process) and of a 0.75 mm thin glass made of modified and chemically prestressed aluminosilicate glass. In the modifying process, the thermal expansion coefficient and the refractive index are adjusted to the float glass. The characteristic properties of the two glasses are compiled in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>.</p><p>As mentioned above, UV-curing acrylates and EVA films are tested for their possible application in the capillary unit as bonding layer. Due to the molecular structure, acrylates are assigned to thermoset providing resistance and stiffness, respectively, at serviceability temperature ranges by close-meshed polymers. The mostly one-component materials can be applied and processed without any difficulties. Regarding the experimental scheme, three acrylate urethanes (urethane systems supplemented by nitro groups) are analyzed, curing by UV radiation and polymerization within a few minutes and without any additional pressure. In the following evaluation and discussion, one of the acrylates is focused and referred to as “A” as specified in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref>. Further details on the acrylate experiments including all test series can be found in [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref7">7</xref>] .</p><p>The second material, an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) film, is an elastic intermediate film (elastomer) for permanent bonding of glasses. Based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, a highly and three-dimensional crosslinked composite layer forms between the glasses at certain temperature exposures, which acts as basic component of composite or laminated safety glass. As non-hygroscopic material, the employed EVA product is characterized by high transparency after lamination, good adhesion to glass and easy processing by vacuum lamination or autoclaving procedures [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref8">8</xref>] . For the application of the material in laminated safety glass a technical approval is available [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref4">4</xref>] . The</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref></label><caption><title> Characteristic properties of bonded components [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref5">5</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref6">6</xref>] </title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Property</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Float glass (capillary glass)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Modified aluminosilicate glass</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Density [kg/m<sup>3</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2500</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2477</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Bending tensile strength [N/mm<sup>2</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >45</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >200</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Young’s Modulus [N/mm<sup>2</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >70,000</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >74,000</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Middle thermal coefficient of expansion [1/K]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >9.0 &#215; 10<sup>−6</sup></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.8 &#215; 10<sup>−6</sup></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Refractive index</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >≈1.52</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.508</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><table-wrap id="table3" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref></label><caption><title> Characteristic properties of bonding materials―information based on manufacturer specifications [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref9">9</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref10">10</xref>] </title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Property</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Acrylate (A)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >EVA (D)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Density [g/cm<sup>3</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.95 - 0.97</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Tensile strength [N/mm<sup>2</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >33</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt; 20</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Elongation at tear [%]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >&gt;700</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Young’s Modulus [N/mm<sup>2</sup>]</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1600</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >No specification</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Refraction index</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1503</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1480</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>characteristic properties of the material focused in the following evaluations are compiled in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref>, where one of two analyzed EVA films is focused referred to as experimental series “D”.</p></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Experimental Approach</title><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref> presents the experimental scheme applied to several test series and specimens, respectively. Unified testing procedures for lap joint tests are specified in codes, however, generally for connecting metals [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref11">11</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref12">12</xref>] . The design of the glass specimens is therefore adjusted to testing procedures of material manufacturers [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref13">13</xref>] . The glass components to be joined are 20 by 20 mm with thickness of 8 mm and the overlapping length is 5 mm, s. <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig3">Figure 3</xref>. The thickness of the bonding layer depends on the material. For acrylates it is set to 250 &#181;m and for the EVA films presented here to 100 &#181;m (D).</p><p>Aging is defined as totality of physical and chemical material changes over time [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref14">14</xref>] . Various methods for characterization and quantification of these changes are distinguished [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref15">15</xref>] . On the experimental level, material aging is usually induced by accelerated artificial impacts in the sense of a time lapse [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref16">16</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref17">17</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref18">18</xref>] . In doing so, the artificial simulations have to be adapted from realistic environmental influences. For the tests presented here, they have to in addition meet the requirements of <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>.</p><p>The artificial aging is customized to the environmental conditions of the capillary glass unit. A main climatic influence is provoked by temperature gradients. They are caused by different temperature levels at the inlet and outlet of the fluid (as a result of energy harvest by the fluid and its circulation) as well as</p><p>ambient temperatures. Since all materials/components are in direct contact with the fluid (glycol mixture), this is an additional influence to be considered. For this reason, three different climate settings are defined:</p><p>- alternating thermal stress (T)</p><p>- fluidic storage (F)</p><p>- alternating thermal stress in combination with fluidic storage (TF)</p><p>The temperature regime for the thermal loading is chosen according to DIN EN 1942 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref16">16</xref>] and ETAG 002 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref19">19</xref>] . The temperature ranges between −20˚C and +80˚C in a time span of 21 h. During one cycle the temperature idles at −20˚C, +40˚C and +80˚C. The circulating fluid (glycol mixture) in the capillary glasses is used as a storage medium for the specimen. Each specimen of tests with fluidic influence (F) and combined loading (TF) is stored separately. Depending on the test series, the destructive and non-destructive tests are performed after 10 or 50 days of loading. Computed tomographic analyses are conducted on samples loaded for 10 days. In addition, some lap joint tests are performed on specimen without any influence of artificial aging as reference.</p><p>Plastic materials are often used for bonding purposes. In this case, the aging process is not only influencing the bonding material itself but also the interface to the bonded components. From the practical and structural engineering point of view, plastic materials are often analyzed by destructive lap joint tests to obtain the structural behavior and corresponding stress-strain relationships, respectively. Analyzing the nature of fractures (brittle, ductile) as well as the interface layers after tests can provide valuable information on aging mechanisms and their influence on bonds. Applying non-destructive analyzing methods, the authors want to evolve und facilitate deeper comprehension of aging processes in artificial aging simulations. The visual analyses and the evaluation of birefringent properties representing optical retardations according to <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref> are conducted for all specimens. In addition, one specimen of each series is examined by computed tomography.</p></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Evaluation Methods</title><p>For the non-destructive testing, three different methods are applied. At first, a visual analysis is executed being the simplest practical approach to assess the quality of the connection and especially the optical requirements according to <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>. Afterwards, birefringent properties of the specimens are analyzed, representing a commonly used method for analyzing glass residual stresses after forming processes (bottles, pre-stress glass structures, etc.). The last step is the evaluation of computed tomographic data, which is the most financial- and time-consuming method. It promises additional information, since transparent mediums have not often been analyzed yet.</p><sec id="s4_1"><title>4.1. Visual Analysis</title><p>The condition of adhesive bonds is described and evaluated by photographs. Amongst others, the following phenomena and damage patterns, respectively, can be detected:</p><p>- detachment of the adhesive from the components (delamination)</p><p>- bubbles</p><p>- discoloration</p><p>- cloudiness</p><p>- geometry anomalies of the layering</p><p>The cloudiness of an adhesive after artificial aging does not necessarily indicate a critical loss of strength, however, the material does not meet the optical demands defined in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>. The specimens are evaluated in the overlapping zone as depicted in Figures 4(a)-(c) show the analyses of specimen A112 (acrylate) before and after artificial aging (TF). Before loading, the visual examination does not reveal any disturbance in the overlapping area (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(a)), while after 10 days of fluidic storage and alternating temperature loading, a slight cloudiness is detected appearing as grey dotted pattern (marked area in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(c)).</p><p>The photographs of specimen D97 (EVA) before and after artificial aging are shown in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(d) and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(e). In compliance to the acrylate, no conspicuity is detected previous to the aging process (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(d)). And even after 10 days of artificial aging (TF) no changes or damages are visibly recognizable (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(e)).</p></sec><sec id="s4_2"><title>4.2. Birefringent Properties</title><p>In the case of unloaded optically isotropic materials (such as glass and transparent polymer materials), the refractive indices are constant in all directions. However, when stresses are induced by external loading or due to manufacturing constraints (e.g. residual or internal stresses due to shrinking effects), particle spacing changes at molecular level leading to dissimilar propagation</p><p>velocities of light for different spatial directions. When irradiated by polarized light, for example within a polarimeter, the light wave is split into two components running through the body at different speeds and therefore going along with a phase shift when exiting the specimen. This shift is referred to as optical retardation R [nm] and it gives a qualitative measure of the intrinsic stresses in the material (at constant sample thickness excluding birefringence). If R = 0, the system is at an optically isotropic state. The greater the optical path difference gets, the bigger the differences in the deflected light wavelengths and thus the stresses in the system are. However, only in exceptional cases, the size can be derived directly [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref20">20</xref>] . The method is therefore able to detect the qualitative distribution of the internal stresses.</p><p>Here, the birefringent properties of the lap joints are evaluated using a “StrainMatic M4/120” polarimeter from illis GmbH reflecting plane stress states. The lap joints are examined before and after artificial aging. Investigations of pure glass elements (non-overlapping area of lap joints) reveal no or a very low stress level (only at edges due to processing/cutting of glass components). In <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>, the results of specimens A112 (acrylate) and D97 (EVA) are shown. The dark red and black areas are caused by the labelling of the specimens (for reasons of identification). They are not considered in the evaluation, only the overlapping zone is of importance (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>(a)). Before artificial aging, specimen A112 shows certain stress differences in the lower bonding area (R ≈ 9.0 nm, <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>(b)). After aging of 10 days (TF), these differences disappear. The area of relaxation corresponds to the detected visual changes in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(c) (gray dotted area). An increase of stress differences is visible in the upper half of the bonding area.</p><p>For specimen D97, distinct stress differences (R ≈ 12.0 nm, <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>(d)) are visible in the total bonding area after the manufacturing process. After artificial aging of 10 days (TF), a slight decrease is noticeable (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>(e)). This relaxation is not detectable in the visual analysis (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig4">Figure 4</xref>(e)).</p></sec><sec id="s4_3"><title>4.3. Computed Tomographic Analysis</title><p>Computed tomography is a non-destructive imaging method to acquire 3-dimensional data from different specimens based on 2D-X-ray photographs. For this purpose, the object is irradiated from several directions starting at 0 and rotating to 360 degrees. In-between rotation stops, an X-ray picture is taken. Afterwards, all X-ray measurements are computed to a single volume data set. The number of pictures influences the quality of this set [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.84507-ref21">21</xref>] . It contains voxel of different gray level, which mainly represent the attenuation of the X-ray beam at different positions. The attenuation depends on the material, the density, the thickness of material and the X-ray energy. The higher it is at a voxel position, the higher its gray level gets. Besides this favorable effect, undesirable effects called artefacts occur as well. Different artefacts have different causes, such as physical effects during the scan or the applied algorithms for reconstructing the data. To provide valid data from computed tomography it is important to reduce artefacts as good as possible and to identify remaining ones.</p><p>For the described experiments a nanotom m from GE is used. It runs with a 14-bit GE DXR detector with 3.072 &#215; 2.400 pixel. To acquire and reconstruct the data, phoenix datos/x is applied and for the analysis and visualization of the data set, the software VG Studio MAX (Volume Graphics). For the scan the parameters listed in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref> are used.</p><p>These parameters applied to the described specimens lead to a resolution of 0.020888 mm in each direction, going along with corresponding minimum detectable details in this size. The resolution of the data set mainly depends on the size of the specimen and the used power. The higher the resolution, the better the detectability of small details.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref>(a) shows a full 3D computed tomographic volume data set of a lap joint specimen. The round plate at the bottom is part of the specimen holding system in the CT and not relevant for the evaluation. <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref>(b) and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref>(c) show the relevant cutting planes within the sample. With the help of the</p><table-wrap id="table4" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">Table 4</xref></label><caption><title> Parameters used in the CT scanning process</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Parameter</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Value</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Voltage</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >120 kV</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Current</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >80 &#181;A</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Modus</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Scan duration</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1 hour</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Target</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Diamant</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Number of pictures</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1200</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Section 1, the bonding is examined in the middle of the layer. As further representation, an integrated layer image with a thickness of 1 mm is produced: the gray values of all layer images (0.5 mm to the right and left of the cutting plane and in the middle of the adhesive layer) are summarized, averaged and represented as one image. With the help of this method, certain effects are to be clarified and compared with the representations of the visual analysis and representation of the optical retardation. In the reconstructed images, stripes are sometimes visible (see, for example, <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(a)). These do not characterize different X-ray densities in the material but represent an artifact which frequently occurs in computed tomographic analyzes of vitreous bodies.</p><p>Specimen A112 does not show irregularities in the individual layer images within the bonding before loading (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(a) and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(b)). After an artificial aging process of 10 days (TF), small cracks are visible in the acrylate (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(c) and (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(d)) with length of 0.10 mm to 0.26 mm. In an enlargement, these cracks can be detected over the entire adhesive layer thickness (highlighted blue by threshold methods). In the integrated layer image these irregularities are also clearly visible (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(d)). The cracks revealed by the computed tomographic images are not recognizable in the visual analysis. They are an indication of the stress reduction, which is clearly detectable by the decrease of optical retardation (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig5">Figure 5</xref>(c)).</p><p>The computed tomographic image in the middle of the bonding layer of specimen D97 (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref>(a)) shows a certain lined structure (highlighted in dark blue). However, this phenomenon is not related to the material but based on artefacts. After the aging process of 10 days TF, it is not visible anymore. In comparison to specimen A112 (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>(d)), the blue coloring in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref>(b) does not reveal any specific changes due to the climatic loading.</p></sec><sec id="s4_4"><title>4.4. Destructive Testing</title><p>For reasons of validation regarding non-destructive test results, destructive lap joint tests on the specimens without and with aging effects are performed and presented in <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref> and <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>0. The stress-strain-relations without aging effects are average curves determined from several tests of each series. However, the behavior with aging effects is the individual curve of the corresponding specimen (A112, D97).</p><p>The connections bonded by acrylate A show a nonlinear material behavior without considering aging effects (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref>, without aging effects, average of specimen A). In comparison, specimen A112 behaves quite different after 10 days of artificial aging (TF). The material seems to show a certain embrittlement</p><p>over time―indicated by the decreased strain ability with a simultaneous increase of shear strength (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig9">Figure 9</xref>, Aging, TF, 10 days, specimen A112). This is also indicated by the results of the computed tomographic data (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig7">Figure 7</xref>): the small cracks point to this conclusion as well. The material behavior of different specimens in this series shows a wide variety regarding stiffness as well as shear strength under aging effects. Furthermore, the failure mode is not consistent―both, cohesion and adhesion failures are observed. The aging under temperature changes and fluidic storage seems to have diverse influences on the material. However, a cause investigation of the phenomenological effects is not accomplishable using the described methods and not subject of this research.</p><p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>0 shows the results of specimens with bonding material D. Without the influence of artificial aging, the stiffness behavior of the joint before failure can be described as quasi linear (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>0, without aging effect, average of specimen D). After artificial aging TF of 10 days, specimen D97 shows a distinct decrease of shear strength (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>0, Aging, TF, 10 days, D97) at a similar stiffness level. Different specimens under aging influences in this series show a wide variety of shear strength, however, stiffness levels are always quite equal. As failure modus, an adhesion failure is observed for all specimens in this series. It seems that the artificial aging has negative influence on the bonding (adhesion forces) in the interface layer. Specific influences leading to this failure cannot be detected in the computed tomographic data (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig8">Figure 8</xref>). However, with the analysis of birefringent properties a decrease of optical retardation (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig6">Figure 6</xref>) is visible.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s5"><title>5. Results</title><p>Based on the analyzed samples of all testing series, <xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref> assesses the detection quality of various damage phenomena. Computed tomographic images provide more detailed information of phenomena already detectable with the visual analysis. The evaluation of the optical retardation gives very general information on current states of bonding layers. With the 2D picture a specification where stress changes over the thickness of the specimen occur is not possible. With a full 3D CT scan, this lack of information can be closed. Moreover, destructive testing is very important to evaluate the detected phenomena. Important information can be derived from testing to connect material phenomena to mechanical behavior.</p><p>Regarding the polymers tested, damage is already evident after 10 days under combined loading of fluidic storage and temperature gradients. For acrylate A as bonding layer, the damage is clearly visible using CT images and it is verified in the destructive testing as well. For bonding material D, less aging influences are visible in the presented non-destructive testing methods. However, the influence on the mechanical behavior (especially the strength) is obvious.</p><p>Based on the assigned task, choosing suitable materials for bonding glass devices (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>), material D is chosen. Albeit mechanical changes due to the aging process can be detected, the specimen shows very high optical stability over the testing time.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>6. Conclusions</title><p>In this contribution, acrylate and EVA materials for bonding glass panes are examined under the aspects of optical and mechanical requirements (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>). Bonded and artificially aged specimens are analyzed with three different non-destructive testing methods (visual, birefringent properties, computed tomography) to evaluate influences of aging processes on the connection. In addition, destructive tests are performed.</p><p>Computed tomographic analyses can be used to detect specific effects at an early stage. For the acrylate test specimen A112 small cracks in the bonding layer become visible with the help of the CT images already after 10 days of artificial aging influencing stiffness and resistance. Measurements with the polarimeter show significant reductions in the optical retardation in bonding layer; however, only with the CT information it is possible to draw conclusions to the cause (cracks). The computed tomographic images of the EVA specimen D97 do not</p><table-wrap id="table5" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">Table 5</xref></label><caption><title> Evaluation of non-destructive testing methods on transparent connections under climatic loading</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" ></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Visual Analysis</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Analysis of birefringent properties</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Computed tomographic data</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Delamination</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >+</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Clouding</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >+</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >cracks (Adhesive A)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >−</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Anomalies in geometry</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >+</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Residual stresses</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >o</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >++</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >o</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>detection of damage mechanism with non-destructive testing methods after artificial aging (10 days TF) (++ very good, + good, o not possible, − bad).</p><p>exemplify changes in the bonding layer. Here, the decrease in shear strength is effected by the interface layer between glass and EVA film. These results are confirmed by destructive tests.</p><p>All methods presented are somehow useful for the phenomenological detection of aging effects on transparent bonds. However, the detectable phenomena differ and depending on the method, the density of information is quite different. Computed tomographic images can provide detailed information on aging phenomena. However, CT analyses are time-consuming, costly, applicable only to limited sizes of specimens and therefore not addressed in practical applications and investigations in general. By evaluating the destructive and non-destructive analyses, damage pattern of bonded connections can be identified and taken into account for improved material models of numerical simulations leading to optimized approximation of mechanical behavior.</p></sec><sec id="s7"><title>Acknowledgements</title><p>The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 637108. We acknowledge further financial support by the Open Access Publication Funds of the Bauhaus University of Weimar.</p></sec><sec id="s8"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Sirtl, C., Kraus, M., Hadlich, C. and Osburg, A. (2018) Determination of Bonding Failures in Transparent Materials with Non-Destructive Methods―Evaluation of Climatically Stressed Glued and Laminated Glass Compounds. 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