Joining process in which a filler material is used to hold two (or more) closely-spaced parts together by surface attachment .
------
Used in a wide range of bonding and sealing applications for joining similar and dissimilar materials such as metals, plastics, ceramics, wood, paper, and cardboard.
-----
Considered a growth area because of opportunities for increased applications.
-----
Adhesive= filler material, nonmetallic, usually a polymer.
----
Adherends= parts being joined.
---
Structural adhesives–of greatest interest in engineering, capable of forming strong, permanent joints between strong, rigid adherends.
---