Durability of structural adhesive joints

Abstract

Single lap joint specimens bonded with two commercial epoxy-based film adhesives, FM-73 and FM-300K, were exposed to combinations of different types of 'load', ie mechanical load, temperature and moisture/water. The applied mechanical load was high-90% of the nominal strength of the specimen (as determined in tensile experiments). The initial strength of the joint and the residual strength at various time intervals were then determined. The specimens were not influenced by a single type of 'load' or even by a combination of two types of 'load'. However, combining all three 'loads' caused spontaneous failure of the specimen. When applying a constant load of up to 60% of the nominal strength, no spontaneous failures were observed within 30 days (even after exposure to hot-wet environment). © 1984.