Thermosets are materials that have the property of becoming hard and rigid when cured and are moldable when heated. Thermosets fuse when heated and harden and become rigid when cooled. Phenol resins and plastics were the original synthetic thermosetting materials. Thermosets can come in many different chemical formulae, giving them different chemical properties, and in varying thicknesses -- both of which affect their coefficient of expansion. Thermosets include castable polyurethane, rubbers, epoxies, etc. Castable polyurethane is a material manufactured many companies, such as PRC-Desoto.

Successful long term bonding of thermosets to themselves, and to other substrates, requires careful preparation and matching of the adhesive being used with the differing COEs of the substrates involved and matching other mechanical and chemical properties for the application. BONDiT^TM products are among the few available that can be used to bond themosetsto substrates with differing COE's for harsh environments and long term deployment without debonding. See also our discussion of COE's.

Our recommendation for bonding castable polyurethane to other substrates during the casting process is the BONDiT ^TM B-45, or with an adhesion promoter like the BONDiT^TM A-43 or C-6.

In circumstances requiring very high moisture resistance we recommend substituting the BONDiT^TM A-3 in place of the A-43 or C-6.

In bonding to cured parts casted using castable urethane, we recommend simply using BONDiT^TM B-45 -- no adhesion promoter is necessary.

Our recommendations for bonding to rubbers is contained in a separate discussion.

Our recommendation for bonding to epoxies is any of the BONDiT^TMB-4X line, depending on the required resistance properties of the use and environment to which the bond will be subjected. Please call for specific application recommendations.

Among the other substrates which thermosets can be bonded to using BONDiT^TM products are: UHMW, Delrin, fluoropolymers, copolymers, polyethylene, polyolefin, polypropylene, polyurethane, silicone, rubber, thermoplastics, urethane, other thermosets and thermoplastics, ceramics, glass, fiberglass, wood, metals, stone, aggregate and concrete.

To see our chart showing elongation rankings of the various BONDiT^TM products clickhere. Call or email us for advice on for COE ratings and matching BONDiT^TM products for your application at (707) 284-8808 or reltek@reltekllc.com.