Ultra
high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) is a tough wear-resistant
plastic with low coefficient of friction, outstanding impact
strength with excellent chemical and moisture resistance
and broad temperature range. It is most frequently used
in conveyor and bulk material handling applications.
One of the properties of UHMW that makes it difficult to bond to is the result
of the manufacturing process. UHMW CAN be bonded to itself and to other substrates
but it requires careful preparation and BONDiTTM brand
primers or adhesion promoters, in some cases, and BONDiTTM adhesives
manufactured by RELTEK LLC.
BONDiTTM products
are among the few available that can be used as a UHMW adhesive to bond UHWM
to
itself
or
other
substrates with differing coefficients of expansion (COE). BONDiTTM products
are renowned for their resistance to harsh environments and for withstanding
long term
deployment without debonding.
Our first product recommendation for bonding UHMW is BONDiTTM B-45
or BONDiTTM B-482.
Our recommendation would change if you are overmolding or if there are other
special adhesive needs.
If overmolding, we would recommend priming the substrate with our BONDiTTM A-43
prior to using the B-45 or the B-482.
Or, if exceptional chemical resistance is desired, we would recommend the BONDiTTM B-481
or B-4811.
Among the other substrates which UHMW can be bonded to using BONDiTTM products
are: Delrin,
fluoropolymers, rubber, polyethylene, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane,
silicone, thermoplastics, thermoset, urethane, glass, ceramics, wood, metals,
stone, aggregate and concrete.
Corona or flame etch is occasionally used to prepare the edges of a proposed
bond to strengthen the bond and reduce the incidence of surface chemical bloom,
resulting from the manufacturing process to make UHMW. The need to pretreat the
UHMW by etching occurs about 15% of the time. If you think that your application
may require this treatment, please call us at (707) 284-8808 or email us at reltek@reltekllc.com for
advice as this technique requires some skill and experience
Call or email us for advice on for COE ratings
and matching BONDiTTM products for
your application at (707) 284-8808 or reltek@reltekllc.com.