DURABILITY OF ADHESIVE JOINTS - SYSTEMS-APPROACH

In this paper, a broad overview of adhesive joint permanence and endurance is presented. The gamut of topics from molecular to engineering significance is covered. A new phenomenological model of adhesive joint strength is introduced as a means of interpreting the effects that mechanical stress temperature, and chemical environment have on the functional durability of adhesive joints. The principle of this approach is that effective attachment sites in an adhesive-joint boundary layer account for the adhesional durability of joints. These sites can be destroyed by exposure to excessive intensities of mechanical stress, temperature, and chemical environment. A brief review of an available scheme for determining the permanence and endurance of engineering adhesive joint materials/components/structures is presented. Determination of the critical failure mode is the most important step in applying a workable systematic sequence.