Effect of Saline Environment on Mechanical Properties of Structural Adhesive Bonds

Abstract

This study brings new pieces of knowledge about a utilization of an inorganic filler in an area of steel adhesive bonds exposed to a degradation environment. The filler in the form of glass beads with a fraction size 90 ± 20 μm was used within the research. The aim of the research was to evaluate an influence of the degradation environment on a strength of structural two‑component epoxy adhesives and a composite material. A preparation of adhesive bonds and a process of testing of the adhesive bonds were in accordance with the modified standard ČSN EN 1465. The degradation environment in a form of 5 % saline solution was used within this experiment. Adhesive bonded testing samples were subjected to a cyclic loading of the saline solution. The adhesive bonds with the filler reached up to 16 % higher adhesive bond strength than the unfilled adhesive bonds. The bonds adhesive bonded with the tested composite adhesive better resisted to the degradation process of ca. 9 %. The cyclic exposure, i.e. dipping of the testing samples into the saline solution and consequent drying significantly decreases the strength of the adhesive bond (up to 67 % in 6 weeks).