Possibilities of Belzona adhesive joints application for austenitic steel used in ship constructions

This paper presents the results of research on adhesive joints durability properties of ship austenitic steel done with the use of the latest adhesives – glues: a composite one from Belzona company, described as 1111 and 1212 as well as a Hysol 9466 adhesive, produced by Hysol. The 1.4301 (304) and 1.3964 (2xx) steels used for shipbuilding were single-lap adhesive joint, with varying degree of edges’ chamfering and offsetting (with a deflection). This type of alternative connections will provide protection and temporary structure’s protection in case of emergency cracking (due to corrosion or an impact) of the examined steel or welded joints of the ship’s construction and hull’s sheathings. The adhesive joints of the tested steel were made in laboratory conditions (according to the technological card) as well as outside the laboratory, hereinafter called as the emergency ones with the use of Belzon 1212. Adhesive joints of 304 and 2xx steel using Hysol 9466 adhesive made in laboratory conditions showed better durability properties than the ones made with the use of Belzona 1111 composite. However, in case of emergency connections the bonding strength as well as the bonding time (hardening) are important factors. The use of the special Belzona 1212 (for wet surfaces) gives a relatively good durability of approx. 20MPa with a much shorter (up to 20 minutes) hardening time and does not require such an accurate surface preparation as the adhesive joints made with the use of Hysol 9466.