Hitherto, low surface energy (LSE) plastics have been difficult to bond
because the surface tension of the adhesive is higher than that of the
surface of the material, leading to some adhesives failing to ‘wet-out’
with subsequent poor bonding. Some existing adhesives work only when the
surface has been activated by rather cumbersome pre-treatments; others
work only after the surfaces have been primed. All that could be a thing
of the past, thanks to 3M’s new structural adhesive for plastics bonding
called Scotch-weld DP8005.
According to the manufacturer, little pre-preparation is required for a
bond that is extremely durable. All that is needed is a wipe down with a
simple cleaning product to remove water, oil and dust, plus the 3M EPX
dispensing system, which achieves accurate mixing and dispensing for all
types of bonding. Scotch-Weld DP8005 can be used to achieve a structural
strength bond between LSE plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene.
Back to Fasteners and Adhesives October 2000
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