Ask Dr. Dave

RSS

 Bonding glass to metals can be done successfully, although it is often necessary to choose systems that have appropriate "adhesion promoters." 

It is necessary to treat the surface aggressively with chemical agents.

 One never gets a full 100% cure of these thermoset systems at relatively low temperatures because molecular mobility goes down dramatically as the adhesive increases in viscosity during curing. 

 It’s important to understand that the term polyurethane covers a wide range of systems. 

 Both types of adhesives are very versatile; the choice depends on your operating environments and manufacturing situation. 

Question: I am trying to bond several rubber parts together. I would like to try a cyanoacrylate adhesive, but I hear they are very brittle when cured. Is that true?

QUESTION: I see many so-called “five-minute” epoxy adhesives (and sometimes ones with even shorter cure times). Are these adhesives truly strong and durable?

QUESTION: We want to bond steel to foamed polystyrene in large bond areas, and we want to use a cost-effective adhesive that doesn’t take long to dry. Is a hot melt the way to go?

Is it true that epoxy adhesives contain the same BPA that has been shown to be harmful when used to make drinking bottles?