Effect of carriers on the performance of aluminum alloy joints bonded with a structural film adhesive

Abstract
The effect of polyester and nylon carriers on the durability of metal joints bonded with the modified epoxide adhesive BSL 312 has been examined. Joints have been exposed to air at 50°C and 100 percent RH for periods of up to 10,000 h. Some joints were under tensile stress and this seems to have no effect on durability. Carriers cause a slight lowering of the strength of dry joints, but they appear to have negligible effect on joint durability. An analysis of water distribution in exposed joints implies that the rate of strength loss is dependent upon the rate at which water enters joints by diffusion.