The analysis of the effect of assembly joints technology on the strength of adhesive joints of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used in advertising elements: Assembly joints technology of PMMA

The aim of the article was to present issues related to the influence of the assembly joints technology (the type of adhesive material and the adhesive application) on the strength of the adhesive joints of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used in the production of advertising elements. Angular adhesive joints, which are one of the types of joints made in the construction of advertising elements, were used in the study. The bonded material was poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of 8 mm thick. Two types of adhesives were used to make the adhesive joints: one-component solvent-based adhesives and methylene chloride as a solvent. Experimental tests determined the wettability of the surface of the adherends (with and without a protective coating) and the work of adhesion based on the measurement of the contact angle, as well as the strength of adhesive joints in accordance with the ISO 4578 standard. Based on the results of strength tests, it can be seen that the use of a solvent allows for obtaining equally strong joints as with the use of solvent. The purposefulness of using coatings protecting not only against dirt or mechanical damage in the form of scratches was also confirmed, but also the possibility of increasing (security) adhesive properties, defined in this case by wettability.