Investigating T-joint strength parameters using statistical experimental design and analysis techniques

The strength of marine type T-joints has been investigated in a large experimental study using statistical experimental design methods to determine the effects of adhesive and surface cleaning. Statistical experimental design techniques proved invaluable in identifying, presenting and interpreting the significant interaction between the parameter effects. The solvent cleaned Crestomer joints were the strongest, and the dry cloth cleaned Crestomer joints were stronger than all other joints, whether the latter were solvent cleaned or not. The dry cloth cleaned polyester putty joints were the weakest, although the cloth-cleaned Crystic joints were only marginally stronger. The increase in joint strength achieved via cleaning with acetone and styrene monomer was much greater for the Crestomer joints than for the Crystic and polyester putty joints. There was not a great difference between the strengths of the Crystic and the polyester putty bonded joints.