The Effect of Ageing and Environment on the Static and Fatigue Strength of Adhesive Joints

This paper describes the results of a durability programme designed to test the effects of ageing and environment on the performance of adhesive joints. Specimens were kept under a variety of loading and environmental conditions and the paper reports results of static and fatigue tests after 8-9 years storage. Some adhesive joints showed excellent durability performance, while others were adversely affected by the environment, particularly high humidity and natural exposure. It was found that the effect of ageing on static and fatigue performance is not necessarily the same.