Maya Ellison
Plastic is a versatile material used in everything from toys to spacecraft. Its smooth, non-porous surface makes it challenging to bond with adhesives, but certain glues are designed specifically for this purpose. The strongest plastic adhesive depends on the type of plastic being used, as some plastics are more difficult to bond than others. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), for example, are known for their resistance to bonding due to their low surface energy. However, there are industrial adhesives designed specifically for these challenging substrates. Epoxies, two-part adhesives, and super glues are among the strongest options for bonding plastic, but the specific type of glue depends on the plastic being used and the nature of the application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strongest plastic adhesive | Epoxy |
| Strongest glue for Polypropylene and Polyethylene | JB Weld's two-part plastic bonding adhesive, MMA 500, Loctite's Plastic Bonder |
| Strongest glue for flexible plastics | Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive |
| Strongest glue for polycarbonate, acrylic, Nylon, Mylar, Delrin, phenolic, aluminum, and stainless steel | Loctite Plastic Bonder |
| Strongest super glue | Cyanoacrylate |
| Strongest hot melt adhesive | PUR |
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What You'll Learn
Epoxies and super glues
Epoxies are one of the strongest structural adhesives available. They are the product of a chemical reaction between two compounds: a hardener and epoxy resin. They are known for their strength, ability to withstand extreme temperature changes, and resistance to chemicals. Epoxies can bond dissimilar materials and are not susceptible to fatigue when exposed to stress. However, cure time can be affected by temperature.
Loctite Plastic Bonder is one of the best epoxies for bonding plastics. It provides high impact resistance, is water-resistant, and will not shrink or crack. It cures in 25 minutes, but this can be accelerated by applying heat or slowed by applying cold.
Super glues, or industrial cyanoacrylates, can also be used to bond plastic. Super glues can be used for various types of repairs and projects involving plastic substrates. Sanding the plastic surface before applying the glue may improve adhesion.
Infinity Bond offers a range of super glues for bonding plastic, including the Infinity Bond Medical Device Super Glue Cyanoacrylate and the Infinity Bond Rubber and Plastic Super Glue Cyanoacrylate. These products can be purchased for around $200.
When bonding plastic, it is important to identify the type of plastic being used, as different plastics require different adhesives. For example, polypropylene and polyethylene are very difficult for adhesives to bond to and require specific industrial adhesives.
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Polypropylene and polyethylene
Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are two types of plastics that are notoriously difficult to bond with adhesives. This is because they have low surface energy, which causes most adhesives to bead up on the surface instead of penetrating it. However, there are some industrial adhesives that are specifically designed for bonding these plastics.
One such adhesive is the Infinity Bond MMA 500, a two-part adhesive that requires a cartridge gun and a static mixer for dispensing. MMA adhesives offer good chemical and environmental resistance, fast cure speed, and higher peel strength. They also develop strength faster, allowing bonded parts to be used sooner. Infinity SuperTAC 500 Plastic Bonding Glue Stick is another adhesive product offered by Infinity Bond.
Loctite also offers a range of adhesives that can bond polypropylene and polyethylene. Their Super Glue All Plastics can be used on polypropylene and other plastics, while their acrylic adhesive is a PE and PP glue that does not require additional surface preparation and cures at room temperature.
Another option is JB Weld, a two-part plastic bonding adhesive specifically designed for polypropylene and polyethylene. This adhesive requires the bonding area to be prepped by sanding to roughen the surface, cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, and letting it dry completely.
In addition to these adhesives, there are specialty hot melt glues designed for bonding polypropylene and polyethylene. These glues come in sticks that can be used with a standard temperature glue gun and offer high resistance to extreme temperatures, making them suitable for manufacturing settings.
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Surface preparation
Plastic is a very smooth material that is non-porous, and these properties make it difficult for an adhesive to bond with anything on the surface. However, there are plastic glues that are specifically designed to work with the properties of plastic.
Removing Contaminants
Dust, dirt, oil, grease, and rust can easily contaminate plastic. These contaminants can also migrate around the surface due to the nature of the plastic material. To remove these contaminants, use a detergent or solvent. Certain solvents are better than others at removing specific classes of contaminants, and some may react with metals, causing an unfavourable chemical reaction that can weaken the bond or the metal. If you use detergents, rinse the metal thoroughly and dry it well.
Abrasion
Abrasion techniques such as sanding, sandblasting, or chemical etching can be used to roughen the surface and increase surface area. Sanding the plastic surface with sandpaper or acetone is a common method to prepare the surface for bonding. However, caution must be exercised based on the exact material used regarding the feasibility of this technique.
Modifying Chemical Composition
Chemical treatments such as flame and plasma treatments can be used to change the physical and chemical properties of the surface to improve adhesion. Plasma treatment is typically carried out under partial vacuum, where gas plasma is activated to produce excited species that react with the plastic substrate. Chemical baths are another method, where the plastic is immersed in a heated chemical bath for a certain amount of time. After chemically treating the surfaces, it is important to rinse the surface with DI water and thoroughly dry the surface before it is used.
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Bonding environment
When it comes to bonding plastics, there are several factors to consider to ensure a strong and lasting bond. Firstly, different types of plastics require different adhesives, as not all adhesives are designed for all types of plastics. For instance, Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP) plastics have low surface energy, making it challenging for adhesives to penetrate the surface and form a strong bond. As a result, these plastics require specific adhesives designed for low surface energy substrates, such as the MMA 500 adhesive. Similarly, plastics like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) have their own dedicated two-part primer and solvent cement for bonding.
The bonding environment and desired application also play a crucial role in selecting the right adhesive. For instance, epoxy adhesives are among the strongest options for bonding plastics and can be used on a range of materials. However, they need to be compatible with the type of plastic being bonded and the bonding environment. Epoxy adhesives are prone to cracking in situations where there is significant movement, such as bonding a panel on a vehicle, due to their brittleness. In such cases, a more flexible adhesive may be required.
Additionally, the surface preparation of the plastic can impact the bonding process. Plastics with smooth surfaces can be sanded to increase surface roughness, enhancing the adhesive's ability to bond. Certain plastics, like Polyethylene and Polypropylene, can benefit from pre-treatment techniques such as flame and plasma treatments to improve adhesion.
It is also essential to consider the strength of the adhesive in relation to the plastic being bonded. For instance, if the adhesive is significantly stronger than the plastic, it may lead to premature failure of the plastic component due to stress transfer. Therefore, it is crucial to select an adhesive that matches the strength of the plastic and the structural requirements of the application.
Furthermore, the work time and curing process of the adhesive should be considered. Some adhesives, like the Loctite acrylic adhesive, have a short work life of around 7 minutes and cure at room temperature. Others, like the PUR hot melt adhesive, continue to strengthen over 24-48 hours until fully cured. Understanding the curing requirements and work time available is essential for a successful bonding process.
Overall, when selecting an adhesive for bonding plastics, it is vital to consider the type of plastic, the bonding environment, surface preparation techniques, adhesive strength, and curing process to ensure a strong and durable bond.
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Flexible plastics
Plastic is a flexible and durable material used in countless applications, from toys to spacecraft. Its composition makes it incredibly useful, but it also creates problems when repairing with glue, as many adhesives can dissolve or fail to bond with the plastic. The type of plastic plays a significant role in determining the type of adhesive to be used.
Another option for flexible plastics is epoxy-based adhesives, which are two-component mixed adhesives that form durable, long-lasting, and quick-setting bonds. While they are versatile and suitable for situations where strength is a priority, they are not recommended for objects with regular exposure to moisture.
For bonding materials such as polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, Mylar, Delrin, phenolic, aluminum, and stainless steel, Loctite Plastic Bonder is recommended. It combines two components to produce a strong, impact-resistant bond that sets in less than half an hour and is resistant to water and common shop fluids.
Additionally, cyanoacrylate adhesives (super glues) are a popular choice for minor plastic repairs that require a quick set time. However, they can damage certain plastics, so caution is advised.
Identifying the type of plastic is crucial when selecting an adhesive. Recycling symbols and codes can help determine the specific type of plastic and choose the most suitable adhesive. For example, plastics marked with a 6 or "PS" are polystyrenes, and poly cement, epoxy, or cyanoacrylate adhesives can be used for bonding.
In summary, when working with flexible plastics, opt for adhesives specifically designed for flexible materials, such as Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive. For stronger bonds, consider epoxy-based adhesives, and always identify the type of plastic before selecting the appropriate adhesive.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to bonding plastic. Different types of plastics require different adhesives. Some of the strongest plastic adhesives include:
- Epoxy
- Super glue
- JB Weld's two-part plastic bonding adhesive
- OATEY Brand epoxy plumbers putty
- Loctite Plastic Bonder
- SciGrip adhesives
- MMA 500
- PUR hot melt
Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Flexible Adhesive is a good adhesive for flexible plastics. It is a clear liquid adhesive that is waterproof, dries clear, and creates a flexible bond that won't break down or yellow from UV/sunlight exposure.
Polyethylene and polypropylene plastics have low surface energy, making it difficult for many adhesives to penetrate the surface and create a strong bond. Some adhesives that can be used on these plastics include:
- Specialty polyethylene and polypropylene glue
- Hot melt
- MMA 500
- Loctite acrylic adhesive
- JB Weld's two-part plastic bonding adhesive
Before gluing, always clean the plastic surface with soap, a specialized plastic cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol. Dry the surface thoroughly and avoid touching it with bare hands to minimize oil residue. Sand the surface with 120 to 200 grit sandpaper, steel wool, or emery cloth to create a rough surface for the glue to bond to.
A structural adhesive is an adhesive that is designed to form a strong and lasting bond, especially for load-bearing applications. Epoxies tend to be one of the strongest structural adhesives.
