Ask Dr. Dave

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Do reactive acrylics and anaerobics behave like epoxies in terms of curing and properties like heat resistance?

What is the difference between a hardener, a primer, an accelerator, and an activator for adhesives and sealants?

Longtime readers of this column may note that I have always been a fan of silicone sealants; however, I worked for a manufacturer of these materials for many years, so I hope I can be totally objective. I have no doubt that the durability and longevity of silicones cannot be exceeded in most applications. However, I can offer you several observations from my personal experience using them at home.

Adhesives are often a better way to assemble plastics than by using mechanical assembly with fasteners. For example, fiberglass composites are routinely bonded with epoxy or reactive acrylic adhesives in the automotive and marine industries because they give high strength and durable bonds.

What are the pros and cons of using pressure-sensitive tape adhesives in place of liquid adhesives in the assembly of electronic devices?

What alternatives do I have for high-strength bonding to surfaces like polyethylene and polypropylene?

This is a very broad topic for this column. Adhesive bonding requires several choices to be made, such as type of adhesive, additives like adhesion promoters and surface preparation.

Question: What options do we have for high-performance liquid gaskets these days?

Question: We bond interlocking polystyrene and ABS tubes together with a solvent-based cement. Can you recommend a less hazardous and safer adhesive? The plastics are clear.