1. Issues

The factors that determine the adhesion and durability of bonded assemblies are :

• the surface condition of adherents or substrates, depending on surface preparation and storage conditions prior to bonding;

• the hygro-thermomechanical properties of adhesives, both as polymers and in bonded joints.

These factors determine the properties and conditions of use of bonded assemblies.

In service, bonded assemblies are subjected to three types of static and periodic operating stresses:

• mechanical stress ;

• temperature variations ;

• environmental stresses, mainly humidity.

The individual or combined effect of...