Composite sandwich structures are a typical example. Adhesives can join different materials together materials that may differ in composition, moduli, coefficients of expansion, or thickness. The continuous adhesive bond forms a seal. The joint is consequently leak proof and less prone to corrosion. The adhesive bond can provide an electrically insulating barrier between the surfaces.
Adhesive bonds have good damping properties.
This capacity may be useful for reducing sound or vibration. Adhesive bonding can simplify assembly procedures by replacing several mechanical fasteners with a single bond, or by allowing several components to be joined in one operation. Adhesive bonding may be used in combination with spot welding or riveting techniques in order to improve the performance of the completed structure. The riveted joint on the left is highly stressed in the vicinity of the rivets. Failure tends to initiate in these areas of peak stress.