Adhesives and Fastenings

Composite materials often require specialized adhesives and fastening techniques due to their unique properties. Adhesives used for composites are typically high-strength epoxies or acrylics that can bond dissimilar materials and distribute stress evenly. Mechanical fasteners like bolts and rivets must be carefully selected to avoid damaging the composite structure, often incorporating isolation materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Some advanced fastening methods include co-curing, where components are bonded during the composite curing process, and z-pinning, which reinforces through-thickness strength. The choice between adhesives and mechanical fasteners depends on factors such as load requirements, environmental conditions, and ease of disassembly