Weathering of Adhesive Bonded Aluminum Automotive Alloys - Five Year Report

In order to provide durability data on the use of adhesive bonding in automotive applications a comprehensive atmospheric exposure program was instituted in 1974. This program included both adhesive bonded and weld bonded joints. Samples bonded with an epoxy and vinyl plastisol adhesive were exposed at Pompano Beach, Fla., Phoenix, Ariz., Richmond, Va., and Chicago, Ill. After five years exposure, better durability was obtained with weld bonded joints than with straight adhesive bonded aluminum joints. The vinyl plastisol adhesive gave better durability when joining aluminum alloys to steel. Better durability was also obtained when metal surfaces were abraded prior to joining.