Dave Dunn Ph.D.

QUESTION: We use a UV adhesive/coating for assembling the plastic and metal components of a complex medical device. We need to optimize our curing process and ensure that the adhesive is fully cured with maximum properties. What are the most important factors?

We are formulating acrylic adhesives (both reactive acrylics and anaerobics), but are having problems with the sourcing of monomers. Some suppliers can’t seem to give us monomers that produce shelf-stable products, even though they purport to have added extra free-radical stabilizers. Can you offer some advice?

QUESTION: In the manufacturing world, the recycling of materials and the use of “green” materials are popular trends that are increasingly coming under legislative pressures. What about the recycling of adhesives and sustainability in the adhesives industry?

QUESTION: We have a lab freezer that goes down to -32°C, and the seals are torn and need replaced. What do you recommend?

QUESTION: We have been advised to use an organosilane adhesion promoter in an acrylic adhesive to bond glass to metal.

QUESTION: We are attempting to bond and seal a small steel casting onto a steel plate.

QUESTION: We use cyanoacrylate adhesives in several assembly operations, but we are reluctant to use them for parts that might be used outdoors. What do you recommend?

We have been using epoxy adhesives for many years in our assembly operations for metals and plastics. However, one of our suppliers is trying to convince us to try his polyurethanes. How do these adhesives compare to other engineering adhesives?