A structural adhesive not only bonds substrates to one another, but a structure made from two or more parts bonded together gains structural strength from an adhesive.

Applied in liquid form, it wets the substrate and is partially absorbed by it. It then changes to a solid, this bonds the substrates together and the process is called curing.

The bond resists breakage when external forces are exerted on it and the strength of the bond, the structural adhesive, as well as the strength of the substrate, determine the overall strength of the structure.

The curing system of the structural adhesive depends on the substrates, application and chemistry amongst others. Structural adhesives can be chemically cured, heat cured, moisture cured, pressure sensitive or UV cured.