The use of structural methacrylate adhesives in the bonding of thermoplastics and composite materials

The use of adhesives in industry has increased significantly in recent years, but with the development of methacrylate technology the advance of structural adhesives has seen improvements in manufacturing techniques in many markets.

The term ‘structural adhesive’ typically defines an adhesive which can withstand high loads under a variety of different stresses for long periods of time. Structural adhesives are typically high molecular weight molecules, which are required to withstand and distribute the loads within a joint.

The reasons for using adhesive in preference to a mechanical fastening are two fold. Mechanical fastenings can cause stress around the fixing, resulting in stress cracking and where possible failure of the substrate. Adhesives can remove this. The bond line between the two materials produces lower stresses because the load is applied over a larger surface area. Along with this the adhesive provides a layer between the materials that can absorb energy in impact, allow for thermal expansion and act as a layer to resist fatigue.