Bonding materials - Characteristics and use of adhesives

The use of structural or semi-structural glues and adhesives for assembly extends to a wide range of materials and is therefore of interest to almost all industrial sectors, from the automotive to the electronics and construction industries, thus competing with other assembly techniques (mechanical, thermal assembly, etc.).

Engineers and designers have a wide range of joining techniques at their disposal, adapted to the technical problems they face. The criteria on which their choice must be based include not only technical aspects (mechanical criteria, watertightness, resistance to water, heat, corrosion or aggressive atmospheres...) but also aesthetic, economic or implementation criteria. Although widely used, these joining materials require careful and rigorous application. What's more, the assemblies produced in this way may be intended for sensitive installations or structures subject to considerable stress. These assemblies must therefore be subjected to specific tests to check their compliance with specifications.

The aim of this article is to present the characteristics and application of glues and adhesives, and to provide readers with the information they need to make an informed choice among these materials.