Polyethylene
is a thermoplastic, that is, it is one of a variety of substrates
that have the property of becoming hard and rigid
when cooled and are moldable when heated. Thermoplastics
soften or fuse when heated and harden and become rigid again
when cooled without undergoing any appreciable chemical change.
Polyethylene comes in many different chemical
and mechanical properties, including adhesion, and in varying
thicknesses -- both of which affect its coefficient of expansion.
Successful long term bonding of polyethylene to itself and
to other substrates, requires careful preparation and matching
of the adhesive being used with the differing COEs of the
substrates involved. BONDiTTM products
are among the few available that can be used to bond polyethylene
to substrates with other COE's and survive harsh environments
and long deployment without debonding.
Our highest recommended product for this purpose is BONDiTTM B-45TH
or B-482TH or B-4682 , depending upon the relative need for chemical resistance,
bond strength, impact and vibration resistance, heat resistance and COE differential.
Our
recommendation would change if a fast cure is required, in
which case we recommend the use of BONDiTTM B-536TH.
Among the other substrates to which polyethylene can be bonded using BONDiTTM products
are: UHMW, Delrin, fluoropolymers, rubber, polyolefin, polypropylene,
polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastics, thermoset, urethane, ceramics, glass,
fiberglass, wood, metals, stone, aggregate and concrete.
To see our chart showing rankings by property, including elongation, of the
various BONDiTTM products click here.
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.