Joint Strength Research Articles

A New Approach for Enhancing Friction Welding Joint Strength

A New Approach for Enhancing Friction Welding Joint Strength

Nanoparticle integration in adhesive and hybrid single lap joints: effect on strength and fatigue life under environmental aging

Examining the mechanical performance of CFRP and aluminum samples subjected to environmental aging is crucial. Additionally, it is essential to develop methods to enhance their mechanical properties. This research investigates the impact of fullerene and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) on the fatigue life and static strength of bonded and bonded/bolted joints. The study focuses on composite-to-composite (CTC) and composite-to-aluminum (CTA) substrates under three-point bending, both before and after hygrothermal aging. The samples were divided into four categories: (1) neat specimens, (2) specimens with added fullerene, (3) specimens with added SWCNT, and (4) specimens with a combination of 50% SWCNT and 50% fullerene. The experimental results indicated that the optimal nanoparticle ratio for bonded joints differs from that for bonded/bolted joints. Adding nanoparticles to the adhesive increased the fatigue life of SLJs, particularly in samples containing mixed particles and SWCNT. In some cases, nanoparticles amplified the effect of hygrothermal conditions, enhancing fatigue life further. The integration of nanoparticles into the adhesive and the use of bonded/bolted joints significantly improved joint strength, with the combination of both techniques yielding the best results. These modified joints offer a promising alternative to traditional joints in terms of strength and fatigue life. The study enhances understanding of the aging of adhesive and hybrid joints, especially dissimilar joints (composite to metal), and provides insights into their behavior under various environmental aging conditions. These methods show potential for optimizing joints and composite structures, improving durability, and reducing the likelihood of operational failures.

Biomechanics of the Human Knee Joint in Maximum Voluntary Isometric Flexion: Study of Changes in Applied Moment, Agonist-Antagonist Participations, Joint Center, and Flexion Angle.

Estimation of the knee joint strength by maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) is a common practice to assess strength, coordination, safety to return to work or engage in sports after an injury, and to evaluate the efficacy of treatment modalities and rehabilitation strategies. In this study, we utilize a previously validated coupled finite element-musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity to explore the sensitivity of output measures (posterior cruciate ligament [PCL]/muscle/contact forces and passive moments) in knee MVIC flexion exercises at seated position. To do so, at three knee flexion angles (KFA), input measures (resistance moment and contribution moments of quadriceps and gastrocnemii) were varied at four levels each using the Taguchi design of experiment. Our findings reveal significant increases in PCL forces with KFA (p < 0.01), net MVIC moment (p < 0.01), and resistance moment of quadriceps (p < 0.01). In contrast, they drop at larger activity in gastrocnemii (p < 0.01). Tibiofemoral (TF) contact forces increase with the net MVIC moment (p < 0.01). The passive knee flexion moment, while highly dependent on the location at which computed, also increases with the net MVIC moment (p < 0.01). Changes in KFA, MVIC moment, and proportions thereof carried by quadriceps and/or gastrocnemii substantially affect biomechanics of the joint. Compared with level walking and stair ascent, slightly larger contact forces/stresses and much greater PCL forces are computed. This study improves our understanding of the knee joint behavior during MVIC in effective evaluation and rehabilitation interventions. Besides, it emphasizes the importance of positioning the joint center in model studies.

Effect of laser power during laser powder bed fusion on microstructure of joining interface between Tungsten and AISI 316L steel

This study investigates the deposition of tungsten (W) onto a 316L steel substrate by laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), to optimize process parameters and analyze the interface between W and 316L. To obtain high-density W structure (98.89%), the optimal laser power was 350 W, and scan speed was 500 mm/s, but these parameters cause significant dilution of W in the W-316L interface; as a result, Fe7W6 intermetallics form, despite L-PBF being a non-equilibrium solidification process. These intermetallics which are brittle could degrade joint strength. By reducing laser power below 250 W, the dilution of W can be mitigated, and potentially minimize formation of intermetallics and increase joint stability for advanced manufacturing applications.

Experimental study under thermal shock environment to investigate effect of welding width on properties of ultrasonically welded joints of multiple copper cables

Based on the ultrasonic welding technology, this study uses three different welding widths to weld copper cables with different specifications. The influence of welding width on the mechanical properties and microstructure of each group of welded joints was systematically studied for the first time. The thermal shock test was carried out for each group of welded joints under optimum welding width to simulate the influence of severe temperature change environment on joint performance. It is found that the cross-sectional area of joint is 20 mm2 and optimal welding width of joint composed of two and three cables is 7 mm. The optimal welding temperature of the joint composed of four cables is 5 mm. Under the optimal welding width, the average shear strength of two-cable joint reaches 309.4 N. The four-cable joint is only 232.2 N. Moreover, the welding strength weakens significantly as the number of cables and the peak temperature decreases. The high temperature of bonding interface is the key factor to form a good weld. The peak temperature during welding is negatively correlated with the porosity of joint and positively correlated with peeling strength of joint. In addition, the morphology of ultrasonically welded joints has changed obviously after thermal shock test. With the participation of oxygen, the surface of welded joint is gray and bright brass, while the interior of joint is purple due to lack of oxygen. Moreover, the phenomenon of atomic diffusion and thermal expansion generates joints which were initially in a mechanically interlocked form and welding interface of the metallurgical bond under the action of high temperature. So the maximum joint peel strength is slightly improved.

Influence of diagonal reinforcement in grouted vertical joints between precast concrete wall panels, part I: Experimental investigation

AbstractMulti‐storeyed buildings are constructed using precast concrete large panels. Although the resistance to lateral loads during an earthquake can be provided by the walls, the vertical joints between the panels remain the weak links. Conventionally, a grouted vertical joint between precast panels is achieved using minimum number of overlapping transverse horizontal U‐bars or looped wire ropes from the adjacent panels, with a holder bar at the overlap, and subsequent grouting of the gap. It was observed that under in‐plane lateral loads, the shear behavior of such joints, especially those with looped wire ropes, is brittle. This paper presents a study to improve the behavior of conventional joints by introducing diagonal reinforcement (DR). Toward this, 13 specimens were tested under monotonic loading and 2 specimens were tested under quasi‐static cyclic loading. The parameters investigated were the types of transverse joint reinforcement, types and strengths of diagonal reinforcement. The compressive strengths of panel concrete and joint grout were kept similar to industry practice. The specimens with DR showed substantial increase of the shear strength and load retention beyond the peak. The presence of conventional transverse joint reinforcement in addition to DR, increases the retention capacity of the joint. Thus, the behavior of a joint with DR was found to be stronger and more ductile.

Effect of Pressure on the Linear Friction Welding of a Tool Steel and a Low‐Alloy Carbon Steel

This study investigates the effect of pressure (burn‐off and forging) on the mechanical properties of the joint between a wear‐resistant tool steel and a low‐alloy steel using linear friction welding. The authors have previously demonstrated the feasibility of joining these dissimilar materials, but the impact of pressure on the mechanical properties of the bimaterial joint remains unclear. To address this, weld samples are prepared using different pressures and are characterized through microstructural analysis, microhardness, tensile testing, and fractography. The results show that the strength of the joint between the wear‐resistant tool steel and the low‐alloy carbon steel increases as the pressure increases up to a certain point, after which a decrease is observed. The highest joint strength is achieved at a pressure of 360 MPa. The microhardness profile measurement reveals a distinct transition zone at the interface between the two materials, with varying hardness values. The hardness of the low‐alloy carbon steel increases near the interface, while that of the wear‐resistant tool steel decreases. This transition zone is found to be narrower at higher pressures. Microstructural characterization shows that the grain structure near the interface differs from that of the starting base materials.

Interfacial energy conversion mechanism between 3003 aluminum alloy and 321 stainless steel in vaporizing foil actuator welding process

Conventional welding methods encounter significant challenges, including poor weldability, low joint strength, and the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds, primarily due to the substantial disparities in the physical and chemical properties of aluminum and iron. To mitigate these issues, the vaporizing foil actuator welding (VFAW) process has emerged as a highly promising solid-phase welding technology, particularly suitable for joining dissimilar metals with pronounced differences in properties, such as aluminum alloys and stainless steels. The present study provides an innovative quantitative analysis of the interfacial impact energy conversion mechanisms within the VFAW process. The analysis reveals that the energy responsible for accelerating the flyer workpiece comprises burst vaporization energy (Ed\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$E_d$$\\end{document}) and continuous vaporization energy (Ep\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$E_p$$\\end{document}), with Ed\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$E_d$$\\end{document} identified as the primary energy source, contributing approximately 65–80% of the total energy required for acceleration. Further examination elucidates the mechanisms underlying heat generation and transfer during the interface collision. The investigation identifies the formation of an overheating zone at the interface, attributed to the combined effects of plastic deformation energy and adiabatic shear energy within the flyer workpiece. Consequently, the interface temperature can rise significantly, reaching up to 1394 K, with impact velocities as high as 925 m/s. The analyses contribute to establishing a theoretical foundation for understanding the interface bonding mechanisms characteristic of the vaporizing foil actuator welding method.

Tailoring intermetallic compound formation within laser weld brazed joints using a novel heat input approach

The challenge of intermetallic compound (IMC) embrittlement, resulting from thick IMC layers at the braze/substrate interface, and the lack of a clear strategy to manipulate IMC formation, has hindered the development of reliable laser weld brazing (LWB) processes. This study addresses these challenges by introducing a novel approach to IMC manipulation during LWB of thin-gauge Zn-coated steel with Si-bronze filler on a double-flanged lap joint. By shifting IMC formation from the interface towards the interior region of the braze, the research mitigates embrittlement by developing a new IMC category, termed surrounded interface-IMCs (SI-IMCs), distinct from traditional interface-IMCs (I-IMCs). The study proposes a Wire-adjusted heat input strategy to optimize brazing conditions, introducing a relative heat input equation (HIRelative) that correlates with various brazing defects and IMC formation. The generic scientific contribution of this work lies in identifying a critical HIRelative value of 32 J/mm for defect-free brazing, with an additional threshold of 12.44 J/mm above this level to promote a high density of SI-IMCs, occupying up to 38.2 ± 16.9 % of the braze cross-sectional area. These SI-IMCs, characterized by a shell-like Fe-Si layer and a bulky (Fe-rich)-Cu eutectic phase, enhance the mechanical performance of the brazed joints. Furthermore, this study reveals the novel role of Mn segregation in creating diffusion channels for Fe-Si IMC development, advancing the scientific understanding of IMC formation. Visualization through digital image correlation (DIC) during tensile testing showed that increasing the SI-IMC area fraction from 1.2 ± 2.4 % to 38.2 ± 16.9 % resulted in a 14 % increase in tensile peak load and a 350 % increase in ductility. This highlights the critical role of SI-IMCs in improving the strength and ductility of LWB joints, offering a new pathway for enhancing the performance of brazed structures.

Dissimilar Resistance Welding of NiTi Microwires for High-Performance SMA Bundle Actuators

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are becoming a more important factor in actuation technology. Due to their unique features, they have the potential to save weight and installation space as well as reduce energy consumption. The system integration of the generally small-diameter NiTi wires is an important cornerstone for the emerging technology. Crimping, a common method for the mechanical and electrical connection of SMA wires, has several drawbacks when it comes to miniaturization and high-force outputs. For high-force applications, for example, multiple SMA wires in parallel are needed to keep actuation frequencies high while scaling up the actuation force. To meet these challenges, the proposed study deals with the development of a resistance-welding process for manufacturing NiTi wire bundles. The wires are welded to a sheet metal substrate, resulting in promising functional properties and high joint strengths. The welding process benefits from low costs, easy-to-control parameters and good automation potential. A method for evaluating the resistance-welding process parameters is presented. With these parameters in place, a manufacturing process for bundled wire actuators is discussed and implemented. The welded joints are examined by peel tests, microscopy and fatigue experiments. The performance of the manufactured bundle actuators is demonstrated by comparison to a single wire with the same accumulated cross-sectional area.

A Comparative Study of Microwave Welding Using Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Silicon Carbide Nanowhiskers as Microwave Susceptors

Recently, microwave welding has arisen as an advanced joining method due to its versatility and rapid heating capabilities. Among others, microwave susceptors play a crucial role in microwave welding, as different classes of microwave susceptors have distinct microwave heating mechanisms. In this work, polypropylene (PP) was utilized as a thermoplastic substrate and two types of microwaves susceptors, namely multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silicon carbide nanowhiskers (SiC NWs), were studied for microwave welding. The susceptor was first dispersed in acetone to form susceptor suspension. Next, the susceptor suspension was deposited onto the targeted area on substrate and paired with another bare PP substrate. The paired sample was then exposed to 800 W microwave radiation in a microwave oven. Afterward, the welded joint was evaluated using a tensile test and scanning electron microscopy to determine its joint strength and cross-section microstructure. The results showed that the joint strength increased as the heating duration increased. The welded joint formed using MWCNTs achieved a maximum strength of 2.26 MPa when 10 s was used, while the SiC NWs-formed welded joint achieved a maximum strength of 2.25 MPa at 15 s. This difference in duration in forming a complete welded joint can be attributed to the higher microwave heating rates and thermal conductivity of MWCNTs. However, increasing the heating duration to 20 s caused severe deformation at the welded joint and resulted in low joint strength. Overall, this study highlights the significance of understanding the microwave heating mechanism of different susceptors and provides essential insight into the selection of a microwave susceptor for microwave welding.

Influence of the material properties on the clinching process and the resulting load-bearing capacity of the joint

This study focuses on the phenomenological change in material strength caused by a specific heat treatment and the subsequent analysis of the influence on the clinching process and the resulting joint properties. For this purpose, three series of tests were performed. In the first series of tests, the influence of heat treatment up to 340 °C on the mechanical properties of an age-hardenable AlMgSi alloy was investigated. Holding time and temperature were varied and the material strength was evaluated by tensile and hardness tests. Two strength-increasing and two strength-reducing heat treatment parameters were identified. In the second series of tests, selected heat treatment parameters were applied to a larger number of specimens and the joint strength was investigated by shear and head tensile tests. In the shear tensile test, mainly the properties of the punch-side material have an influence on the resulting joint strength. A change in strength of the die-side material can be neglected. In contrast, the properties of both sheets are important in the head tensile test. The strength of the joint will only increase if the strength of both sheets is increased. In general, a strength increasing heat treatment resulted in higher joint strength. In the third series of tests, the factor of punch displacement was considered, which was demonstrated to directly influence the formation of the clinched joint geometry.

Optimization of Joining Parameters in Pulsed Tungsten Inert Gas Weld Brazing of Aluminum and Stainless Steel Based on Response Surface Methodology

Combining aluminum and steel offers a promising solution for reducing structural weight and fuel consumption across various industries. Pulse in tungsten inert gas (TIG) weld brazing effectively suppresses interfacial brittle intermetallics and enhances joint strength by influencing pool stirring and heat input during aluminum-to-steel joining. However, optimizing the pulsed TIG weld brazing process is challenging due to its numerous welding parameters. This study established statistical models for Al/steel joint strength without reinforcement using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The models’ adequacy and significance were verified through analysis of variance (ANOVA). The four welding parameters influence weld strength in the following descending order: pulse on time &gt; base current &gt; pulse current &gt; pulse frequency. Additionally, interactions between pulse current and pulse frequency, and between pulse on time and base current, were observed. Numerical optimization using RSM determined the optimal pulsed GTA weld brazing parameters for aluminum and stainless steel. With these optimized parameters, the joint strength reached 155.73 MPa, and the intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness was reduced to 3.4 μm.

Mechanical performance of adhesive bonded joints with 1C-PUR adhesive at different angles

Reforestation trees are an alternative to meet industrial needs, and one potential application is their use in prefabricated structures, such as glued laminated timber (glulam). This study aimed to evaluate the shear strength of Pinus sp. bonded joints made using a single-component polyurethane adhesive (1C-PUR). The joints were produced varying the angles between the wood fibers ranging from 0º to 90º and were tested subjected to shear under compression load and to shear under torsional load. The use of the Hankinson’s equation as an estimator of shear strength of glued joints and the percentage of wood failure were also evaluated. A total of 144 specimens were tested. Half of the total was subjected to shear test under compression load while the other half was subjected to shear test under torsional load. The wood laminates used to make the joints were previously divided into eight groups according to their apparent density. The results showed that the shear strength was affected by the bonding angle, especially for those tested under compression loads. The mechanical behavior of the shear test under compression was considered different from that of the test under torsion for six of the nine angles used in the study. It was also found that Hankinson’s equation can be used as an estimate of the shear strength of joints bonded on different angles when the tests are performed under compression loads. However, the equation was not appropriate for estimating the test results when shear was caused by torsional loads. Overall, the bonded joints presented satisfactory shear strength and low percentage of wood failure. Furthermore, the results of this research were in accordance to those found on similar research where other adhesives were used.

A new method for direct welding of alumina and zirconia ceramics by ultrashort pulse laser for high temperature application

The direct welding of alumina and zirconia ceramics by ultrashort pulse laser is presented for the first time. Compared to traditional dissimilar ceramic joining techniques such as brazing and diffusion welding, this method shows various advantages, including operation at room-temperature, higher welding efficiency, and negligible impact on base materials. The joint microstructure consists of a combination of Al2O3 and ZrO2 phases, without new phases detected. By adjusting the laser focal point position, the phase content within joint is effectively regulated, successfully preventing crack formation in alumina substrate. The influence of laser power and welding speed on joint morphology and mechanical property is fully investigated. The highest four-point bending strength of 365.5MPa and shear strength of 33.4MPa are achieved. After experiencing thermal cycling test at 1000°C, the joint strength and microstructure does not exhibit significant changes, demonstrating the excellent high-temperature durability of the sample.

Mechanical and failure behaviors of adhesively bonded dissimilar materials joints incorporating bio-inspired morphological irregularities

Adhesive dissimilar material joints between stainless steel grade 316L and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) plastic were examined, in which irregular interface morphologies inspired by natural sutures were incorporated. The joint interfaces exhibited various teeth-like, non-repetitive zigzag patterns based on a pseudo-randomization method and sutural interdigitation index. Effects of their irregularities on mechanical and failure characteristics of adhesive butt joints were studied by means of experiments and FE simulations. The cohesive zone model, Drucker-Prager plasticity model and ductile failure criterion were applied for the interface and PETG, respectively. Predicted load-displacement curves of joints with different teeth profiles were well validated. The degree of irregularity became higher to 20%, 40%, and 60%, the joint strengths decreased by 1.47%, 5.39%, and 11.95%, while the total energies to failure increased by 110.74%, 129.33%, and 161.23%, accordingly. More inhomogeneous morphologies led to earlier local damage initiation, but enhanced damage evolution range by impeding abrupt joint separation. Smaller teeth angles provided higher joint strength, whereas significant declines of bonding strength were observed by too acute teeth angle due to excessive stress localization and resulting teeth breakage. The teeth angle of 45º enabled the superior joint performance owing to a proper combination of interlocking and large adhesive force under shear stress state. Finally, a key insight for designing an optimal dissimilar joint with morphological irregularities was provided.

Joining of SiC ceramics by iridium: The interfacial phenomena and joint strength

A methodology for joining SiC ceramic parts using iridium foil was devised. The connecting layer was formed via a solid-state reaction at 1350 °C or via a transient liquid phase (TLP) at temperatures exceeding 1417 °C. The microstructure of the connecting layer formed via solid-state reaction exhibits temporal changes. The overall thickness of the layer remains approximately constant over time; however, the thickness of the carbon-free central part, composed of Ir and iridium silicides, decreases with time. The thicknesses of the porous carbon-containing sublayers located on either side of the central region demonstrate an increase. The greatest average flexural strength value was found to be 110 ± 6 MPa. The flexural strength values decrease with an increase in the holding time. This behavior can be attributed to the growth of a porous carbon-containing layer. The connecting layer, obtained via a transient liquid phase, is composed of IrSi and C. The layers on either side of the central dense IrSi part contain a number of pores and carbon inclusions. The SiC/SiC joints formed at 1425 °C and 1500 °C exhibit bending strengths of 66 ± 4 and 29 ± 4 MPa, respectively. These findings illustrate the potential of iridium to join monolithic SiC ceramic parts at relatively low temperatures.

Study on the fatigue properties of SPR-bonded aluminum-steel sheet joints

This study deals mainly with the influence of adhesive layer on the fatigue behavior and fretting of self-piercing riveted (SPR) joint joining differing thicknesses of AlSi10MnMg aluminum and DP590 steel sheets in lap shear geometry. Fatigue life, failure modes, crack propagation and fretting behaviors of the SPR and SPR-bonded joints were investigated and compared. The results showed that the static strength and fatigue life of SPR-bonded joints were significantly enhanced than that of SPR joints, but the fatigue failure mode of SPR-bonded and SPR joints differed. The SPR-bonded joints all failed in a rivet tail pull-out mode at all tested loads, which accompanied with small cracking in the aluminum sheet in contact with the rivet tail at lower test load. However, the failure mode of the SPR joints shifted from the aluminum sheet cracking to rivet tail pull-out as the fatigue test load increased. And during the aluminum sheet cracking failure, the fatigue crack originated from the faying interface of aluminum and steel sheet at the vicinity of the rivet shank and propagated along the width direction of aluminum sheet. Fretting wear analysis showed that the overall extent of fretting decreased and the location of fretting areas varied due to the adhesive bonding. Fretting of SPR joints mostly existed at the faying interface between aluminum and steel about 1.5mm away from the rivet shank and resulted in fatigue crack initiation, while the fretting region of SPR-bonded joints shifted to the faying interface between rivet tail and aluminum sheet.

Laser microwelding of NiTi/PtIr alloys with laser beam offset

The NiTi and PtIr alloy joint has been employed in biomedical devices to combine the superelasticity of NiTi alloy with the X-ray visibility of PtIr alloy. Laser microwelding is usually used for the joints, but there is a risk of forming brittle intermetallic compounds (e.g., Ni3Ti, Ti2Ni, and Ti3Pt) in the fusion zone (FZ), which could deteriorate joint strength. In this study, laser beam offset (laser offset) was implemented for a butt joint of Ni-49.8 at.% Ti and Pt-10.0 at.% Ir alloy wires to control the intermetallic compound formation in the FZ. Welding with 300 μm laser offset on the NiTi side achieved 2.3 times higher joint breaking stress and 13.0 times higher joint breaking strain than welding without laser offset. The joint breaking stress and strain were enhanced from 221 MPa and 0.9% to 502 MPa and 11.7% by 300 μm laser offset on the NiTi side, respectively. In the absence of laser offset, the dissolution of Pt and Ir into the FZ facilitated the M3Ti (M = Ni, Pt, Ir) formation in the FZ, resulting in crack propagation within the M3Ti. In contrast, the 300 μm offset on the NiTi side inhibited the M3Ti formation by mitigating Pt and Ir dissolution into the FZ. Laser offset on the NiTi side can be an attractive option to enhance the strength and ductility of NiTi and PtIr butt joints.

Polyvinyl acetate wood adhesive stabilized with hydroxyethyl cellulose: synthesis and characterizations

Specifically, the conventional wood adhesive uses polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as colloid to stabilise the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) emulsion. Green materials are being used as a result of recent study on chemicals and alternative sources. This factor has made the substitution of sustainable biopolymers for petrochemicals considerably more important. An emulsifier, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), was used during the addition polymerization process to produce a hydroxyethyl cellulose-grafted-poly (vinyl acetate) (HEC-g-P(VAc)) emulsion from HEC and VAc. The purpose of the study was to increase the content of renewable materials in the emulsion. The adhesive films glass transition temperatures (Tg) have been identified via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The performance of the PVAc emulsion-based adhesive in accordance with EN 204 and EN 205 standards was evaluated by measuring the tensile shear strength of wood joints under both dry and wet conditions. The viscosity of the adhesives significantly increased along with the addition of HEC. The application of HEC led to an increase in PVAc film hardness, which was confirmed by the film’s glass transition temperature. In an environment that was wet, after 24 h, the tensile strength of the sample containing HEC increased by 54% compared to a pristine sample, as per EN 204 and EN 205. Water resistance significantly increased in sample with HEC, as was found by measuring the water contact angle which is in line with wet strength. The overall study conclusion emphasises the superior water resistance and increased adhesion capabilities of PVAc emulsion-based wood adhesives stabilised by HEC.