Alexei Volkov
Plastic is a challenging material to bond with glue due to its smooth and non-porous surface. Different types of plastics require different adhesives, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. To determine the best adhesive for bonding plastic, it is essential to identify the type of plastic you are working with. The recycling symbol, typically a triangle of arrows with a number in the centre, can help identify the plastic type. Once the plastic type is known, an appropriate adhesive can be selected. For example, polyethylene or polypropylene plastics are challenging to glue due to their low surface energy, requiring specific adhesives designed for these substrates. Other plastics, such as PVC, polystyrene, and ABS, have their own recommended adhesives. Factors like cure time, strength, and flexibility should also be considered when choosing the best adhesive for bonding plastic.
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene and polypropylene glues
Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are the two most widely produced plastics in the world. They are also notoriously difficult substrates to bond with adhesives. This is due to their low surface energy, which causes most adhesives to bead up on the surface instead of penetrating it.
However, there are specialty adhesives designed for bonding polyethylene and polypropylene. For instance, the Infinity SuperTAC 500 Plastic Bonding Glue Stick is a hot melt adhesive that can be used with a standard temperature glue gun. It offers good heat resistance and can bond to a wide range of plastics, including PP and PE. Another option is the Infinity Bond MMA 500, a two-part adhesive that requires a cartridge glue gun and static mixer nozzle for dispensing. It is specifically designed to work on low surface energy plastics and creates a strong, permanent bond.
In addition to these specialty adhesives, there are also general-purpose adhesives that can bond polyethylene and polypropylene. For example, a hot melt adhesive in the form of 1/2" sticks that can be used with a standard temperature glue gun. This adhesive has high resistance to extreme temperatures and is suitable for manufacturing settings. Loctite AA 3035 Acrylic Adhesive is another option that does not require additional surface preparation and has the added benefit of being low odour and non-flammable.
While these adhesives are effective for bonding polyethylene and polypropylene, the best choice for a particular application may vary depending on specific requirements and conditions.
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ABS plastics
For smaller DIY projects, a cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) is recommended. Cyanoacrylates are able to form strong bonds in a very short amount of time. However, it is important to note that super glue is not suitable for anything that needs to be physically strong, as it becomes the weak point and is prone to breaking.
Epoxies are the highest-strength adhesive for bonding ABS plastics. They have a very high chemical and water resistance. However, they are prone to cracking if there is significant movement in the structure, as epoxies don't have much flex.
Other options for bonding ABS plastics include MS polymer adhesives, which are considered the best option by some, and MMA adhesives, which cure quickly at room temperature and are very strong.
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Cyanoacrylate adhesives
The viscosity of a cyanoacrylate super glue refers to the thickness of the adhesive and is usually referenced in centipoise (cps). Thinner super glues are good for getting into tight places and covering substrates, while thicker super glues can help with gap filling. Surface insensitive cyanoacrylates are formulated for extremely fast curing, even by super glue standards. They also bond to a wide range of surfaces, including wood, plastics, metals, and glass.
The best cyanoacrylate adhesive for your application will depend on a few different factors such as the materials being bonded, the set time, and more. For instance, if you are looking for a low bloom and low odor adhesive, you can consider Infinity Bond CA-LO Low Bloom Super Glue. For rubber and plastic bonding, you can use Infinity Bond CA-RP Glue.
Some popular brands of cyanoacrylate adhesives include Loctite, Gorilla, ASI, and Infinity Bond.
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Epoxies
Epoxy adhesives are suitable for bonding a wide range of plastics, including ABS, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, FRP, polyethylene, and polypropylene. For instance, Loctite Plastic Bonder is an epoxy adhesive that works on most plastics, including ABS, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, and FRP.
However, one drawback of epoxies is their brittleness. Epoxies do not have much flexibility, so they are prone to cracking if there is significant movement in the bonded structure. For instance, when bonding a panel to the side of a vehicle, the epoxy may crack due to the movement when the vehicle goes over bumps.
When using an epoxy adhesive, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cure times. Typically, epoxies need to be clamped in place for 1-3 hours while they set, and it is recommended to allow the full cure time before applying weight to the object. Heat speeds up the curing process, while cold slows it down.
Overall, epoxies are a strong and effective choice for bonding plastics, offering high strength and resistance, but their brittleness should be considered for applications involving potential movement or vibration.
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Surface preparation
Removing Contaminants
Contaminants such as dust, grease, oil, and rust can interfere with the adhesive bonding process by bonding with molecules on the surface of the material. This results in diminished surface energy and a weaker bond. Contaminants can be removed through methods such as laser cleaning, abrasive blasting, chemical cleaning, and manual degreasing. Solvents such as toluene, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and trichloroethylene can be used for degreasing, but it is important to ensure that environmental, health, and safety regulations are followed.
Abrasion
Increasing the surface roughness of the material is not always necessary but can lead to a stronger bond. Abrasion techniques such as sandpapering or laser texturing can be used to roughen the surface, providing more area for the adhesive to adhere to.
Modifying the Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of the surface can be modified to create a more favourable surface for bonding. Treatments such as plasma treatment, chemical etching, or laser texturing can be used to introduce new elements, remove existing ones, or rearrange the chemical bonds between atoms. For example, plasma treatment can provide better stability to the substrate, while laser treatments can remove contaminants and introduce beneficial oxides to the surface.
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Frequently asked questions
Epoxies are the strongest adhesive for bonding ABS plastic, with some variations having strengths of over 30 MPa. However, they are prone to cracking when bonding items that involve significant movement. MS polymer adhesives are also a good option for bonding ABS plastic.
Bonding PE and PP plastic can be difficult due to their low surface energy. Specialty adhesives like the Infinity SuperTAC 500 Plastic Bonding Glue Sticks, the MMA 500, and the Loctite AA 3035 Acrylic Adhesive are designed for these difficult substrates.
The Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive is a clear liquid adhesive that dries clear and creates a flexible bond that is also waterproof and resistant to UV/sunlight exposure.
