Polyolefin's are very difficult to bond due to their non-polar, non-porous and chemically inert surfaces. This high degree of chemical inertness generally limits the usefulness of solvent bonding as a viable assembly technique. The key to successful bonding involves proper surface treatment prior to bonding. Different surface pretreatment methods include chemical etching, flame treatments, corona discharge and gas plasma. Following any one of these surface pretreatments ensures a more accurate and effective bond. The most effective bonds will be achieved when matching the proper adhesive system to the most suitable pretreatment method.
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Figure 1. Surface treatment prior to bonding.
Effectively Bonding Polyolefins with Master Bond X21
Perhaps the most exciting development in polyolefin bonding is Master Bond X21. It is an easy-to-use, single component adhesive designed to bond polyethylene and polypropylene. This high-performance adhesive retains its outstanding physical properties even after prolonged exposure to water and many other chemicals. The most noteworthy property of this non-conventional elastomeric system is that it requires no surface pretreatment. X21 offers an effective solution to the problem of bonding polyolefin substrates.
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This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Master Bond Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Master Bond Inc.