The Effect of Long Term Loading on Epoxy-Based Adhesive Reinforced with Nano-Particles for In Situ Timber Bonding
The mechanical properties of adhesive materials change over time, especially when they are subjected to long-term loading regimes. The significance of this is often overlooked at the design stage. When adhesives are subjected to a constant load, they may deform continuously, depending on temperature, humidity and cross-link density. This progressive deformation is called creep and will continue until rupture or yielding causes failure. It is imperative that reliable accelerated tests be developed to determine the long-term time-dependent performance of adhesives under different environmental conditions. The long-term creep behaviors of thixotropic and room temperature cure epoxy based adhesives reinforced with nano-particles specially formulated for in-situ bonding of pultruded rod into timber for repair and strengthening of timber structures were investigated. In this study two epoxy-based adhesives with nano-particles (silica fume and rubber) addition were subjected to bending creep tests, in accelerated environments. Experimental data showed that the adhesives reinforced with nano-rubber particles showed less creep deformation than the unreinforced adhesives.