The transportation market is one of the larger markets employing adhesive bonding. A subset of that market segment is the marine industry. Although adhesive bonding has been slower to develop in boating or shipbuilding than in aircraft or automotive applications, it has started to become a significant joining process. Much of this market advance is due to the use of newer substrates especially in powerboats and recreational boating. Another factor is that the advantages of adhesive bonding and the effect of moisture on the durability of the bonded joint are finally becoming understood by the end-users.
This paper is an overview of the use of adhesives and sealants in the marine industry. State-of-the art structural and non-structural adhesive systems as well as sealants will be reviewed. The effects of substrate materials, processing requirements, and environmental stresses common to the marine industry are also addressed.
The large shipbuilding industry has employed adhesives for many years with success in non-load bearing applications.