The article experimentally analyses the shear-strength of epoxy/nano-Al2O3 employing a single lap steel joint. The base epoxy adhesive was adapted by adding 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% of nano-Al2O3 (spherical and rod shapes) using an in situ polymerization technique. Reinforcement of spherical and rod nano-alumina is done to improve the lap shear-strength of epoxy adhesive. The optimal wt.% of nano-alumina in adhesive for shear-strength was investigated under static loading using the Kolsky bar system. Static lap shear-strength was witnessed optimum for 1.5 wt.% of rod and spherical nano-Al2O3 in the epoxy adhesive. Whereas, the epoxy/nano-Al2O3 adhesive holding 1.5 wt.% of nano-alumina was preferred to analyze the shear-strength at high loading rates. The shear-strength was increased with increased loading rates, but increment was comparable lower at high loading rates. Lap shear-strength of joints under high loading rates was observed 2.5 to 6.0 times higher than the static loading. Reinforcement of spherical nanoalumina showed better performance than rod nano-alumina.

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