Mechanical behavior of polyurethane adhesive joints used in laminated materials for marine structures

Test results have led to the conclusion that steel-polyurethane-steel adhesive joints immersed in sea water exhibit the best behavior in service when subjected to shear stress. In addition, the comparative analysis of the results obtained for the fracture energy and cohesive laws indicated that immersion in distilled water has a favorable effect on the behavior of the joint when subjected to peel stress and shear stress. Similarly, the low values of tangential and normal stress in the joints that were immersed in seawater indicate that this joint undergoes a progressive degradation process.