Debondable Structural Adhesives

We are looking for a temporary adhesive to hold some small steel parts together, but then we want to break the bond before some final finishing operations. What can we use?

Numerous technologies and patents cover debondable structural adhesives. For your small parts, however, I can suggest a few simple alternatives.

Several low-strength adhesive systems might be suitable. Many hot melts, for example, will give decent bond strengths but can then be broken apart with a sharp impact or by heating. A pressure-sensitive adhesive or double-sided pressure-sensitive tape might also work.

Silicones will bond to these surfaces but have fairly low tensile and tensile shear strengths. An interesting alternative might be to try a solvent-based neoprene cement. While typically sold as an automotive trim and detail adhesive, it is also used to bond wheel nuts to wheels for rapid tire changes in auto racing like NASCAR. It is a fairly strong and tough adhesive, but the torque from the wheel wrench breaks the bond instantly when the wheels are put on the car.

Any views or opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent those of ASI, its staff, Editorial Advisory Board or BNP Media.

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Ask Dr. Dave is written by Dave Dunn, Ph.D., of F.L.D. Enterprises, a technical consultancy and full-service industrial market-research firm specializing in the adhesives, sealants, specialty rubbers and plastics fields. Dave is a former vice president and director of Loctite Corp. and has spent many years in troubleshooting adhesive and sealant problems. Questions for publication should be directed to him at 242 Trails End, Aurora OH 44202; phone (440) 477-5164; fax (330) 247-1690; or email DrDave242@windstream.net .