This study focuses on the question whether TEPs with polyurethane adhesives are can be potentially used as adhesives joints, by investigating their mechanical and thermal behaviour.

Materials

1. Adhesive

A two-component structural polyurethane adhesive SikaForce s 7888 L10 was chosen for this study. It is known to cure at room temperature. This adhesive, also a polyurethane, combines high strength with large ductility. Benefits, that this adhesive can offer, are: high peel strength, impact resistance, improved fatigue behaviour, more stable crack propagation, etc.

2. TEPs

Expancel 031 DU 40 particles supplied by Expancel Nobel Industries (Sweden) were chosen for this study. The diameter of these particles ranges mainly from 10 mm to 16 mm. Following diagrams show the dimensions of particles before and after expansion.