@article{60837,
  abstract     = {{In light of growing demands for resource efficiency and sustainability in vehicle engineering, the environmentally compatible separation of structural adhesive joints is gaining increasing relevance. This study presents a comparative analysis of two physically based debonding methods: the established hot-air process and a cryogenic cold process based on liquid nitrogen (LN2). The primary objective is to assess the ecological impact and process-related sustainability of both approaches.
Experimental investigations were conducted on a component-representative triple-sheet structure that simulates common automotive flange joints. Thermal input was applied either by convective heating using a hot air gun or by direct cooling through a contact-based LN2 tool. The resulting temperature profiles were recorded using spatially distributed thermocouples. Subsequently, the outer panel was selectively debonded to replicate a repair scenario, and the mechanical integrity of the remaining adhesive joint was evaluated through Mode I testing of L-shaped specimens. Process data served as input for an Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) according to DIN EN ISO 14040.
The cryogenic method achieved a 40% reduction in carbon footprint compared to the hot-air process (0.337 kg vs. 0.559 kg CO2-equivalents), primarily due to its shorter process time and more efficient heat transfer. While the hot-air method’s impact is mainly driven by electrical energy use, that of the cold method stems from cryogenic media consumption. Notwithstanding certain disadvantages in specific impact categories, the LN2-based process exhibits a superior overall ecological performance and signifies a promising solution for repair- and recycling-oriented adhesive separation in structural vehicle applications.}},
  author       = {{Jordan, Alex and Hermelingmeier, Lucas and Gilich, Julian and Meschut, Gerson and De Santis, Marco Sebastian and Schlüter, Alexander}},
  issn         = {{2666-3309}},
  journal      = {{Journal of Advanced Joining Processes}},
  keywords     = {{Sustainable debonding, Structural adhesives, Sustainable joining technologies, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Automotive repair process, Economically efficient debonding}},
  publisher    = {{Elsevier}},
  title        = {{{Comparison of the economic efficiency and sustainability of two debonding processes for structurally bonded sills}}},
  doi          = {{10.1016/j.jajp.2025.100332}},
  volume       = {{12}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}