Bonds and Bond Strength

Bonded joints can be subjected to a variety of forces (see below).  It is therefore essential to take into account the design requirements of bonded joints with respect to these forces.  A bonded joint should be designed to meet the most severe loading case with an adequate factor of safety. 

The resistance of the joint and the adhesive to peeling forces generally limits composite bonded joints.  In terms of the joints and adhesives resistance to loads, peel forces are the most destructive, followed by shear loads and tensile loads. 

Bonded joints are generally very resilient to compression loading conditions.  Hence the joint design is as much a contributor to successful bonded joint performance as the properties of the adhesive itself.

Examples of Forces

Crystic Crestomer Bonding




Effectiveness of the adhesive bond depends upon the
  • Surface conditions and the surface energy of the substrates being joined

  • Ability of the adhesive to thoroughly wet the substrate at a micro, or even, a molecular level

  • Ability of the adhesive to cure with minimal shrinkage, hence reducing the level of induced stresses in the bond-line during the curing process

  • Ability of the adhesive to chemically bond to the substrates

Crystic Crestomer adhesives have been designed with the above factors in mind and utilise both polyurethane and acrylic technologies, which form the basis of two families of adhesives in their own right.  The benefits of these adhesives are combined in Crystic Crestomers.

For more information on the Crystic Adhesives range visit the Products section, view the brochures or or contact your local Scott Bader sales representative.