There is a growing demand for material and resource-efficient structures and innovative materials in the transport sector, particularly for maritime applications. To efficiently and seamlessly connect similar and different high-performance materials in marine and naval constructions, modern joining techniques such as adhesive bonding are required. For adhesive joining technology to be applicable in maritime environments, the corrosion stability of bonded joints is of crucial importance, as harsh conditions such as large temperature differences, salt water exposure, and extended time-dependent loads prevail, both during production and use.
This paper reviews the state of research on the durability and corrosion of adhesively bonded joints in maritime environments and offers perspectives on this field. The idea behind is to comprehensively present the research areas currently pertinent to the design of corrosion-resistant adhesive composites. The article highlights aspects ranging from the surface pre-treatment of materials to the simulation of corrosion processes that are highly relevant for adhesive bonds in marine structures. The comprehensive view, moreover, includes the classification of relevant adhesive systems, the fundamentals of wet and electrochemical de-adhesion processes of adhesives, the impact of environmental aging on the mechanical properties of adhesive joints as well as an overview of destructive and non-destructive testing suitable for such structures. Finally, the review provides perspectives on future interdisciplinary experimental and theoretical research in the field of aging and corrosion that is likely to promote adhesive joining technologies for marine and naval constructions.