Structural Adhesives
Structural adhesives are strong adhesives used for engineering applications, such as production of load bearing joints and composite-to-metal bonding. Generally, to qualify as structural, an adhesive must be able to withstand at least 1,000 psi in a lap shear test. Structural adhesives offer users a number of benefits, including a wide range of flexibility and the elimination of costs associated with metalworking and metal finishing.
Quick links to Structural Adhesives Information
Applications of Structural Adhesives
Structural adhesives are used in many industries, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Construction
- Industrial Assembly
- Maintenance and Repair
- Manufacturing
- Marine
- Metal Processing
- Packaging and Paper
Structural Adhesive Design and Customization
To meet the needs of customers in these different industries, manufacturers can create structural adhesives with custom strengths, temperature resistances, and appearances. Structural adhesives are designed to remain uncompromised in the face of the most strenuous pressures, including those related to chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, air pressure, rain, salt water, UV rays, and shock. This allows them to perform a variety of tasks, such as bonding assemblies, bonding surfaces, bonding parts, forming protective surface films, functioning as shim materials, producing load bearing joints, and providing impact resistance.
Notable Types of Structural Adhesives
The most common structural adhesives are:
- Phenolics
- Epoxies
- Polyurethanes
- Vinyl Acetates
- Toughened Acrylics
- Anaerobics
- Cyanoacrylates