Adhesion

We often simplify adhesive bonds into two categories; primary bonds and mechanical bonds. Primary bonds occur when epoxy is applied to a previously applied layer of epoxy that has not fully cured. The layers of adhesive will bond as if they were applied at the same time and mixed together. Mechanical bonds rely on the adhesion of the epoxy to a substrate. To visualize this, imagine the epoxy flowing into all of the imperfections and the sanding scratches of the substrate and locking into place. In reality, the forces are much more complex and beyond the scope of this article.

The fundamentals of achieving strong secondary bonds are the same whether the interatomic forces are understood or not. They include:

  • Wet out the substrate. The epoxy must be able to flow and wet the surface. Surface contaminates can prevent this from happening.
  • Let the epoxy cure in place. Clamps must remain in place and the joint can not be stressed until the epoxy cures.
  • Use a high-strength epoxy. WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is a structural adhesive after it has cured.


Understanding Tensile Adhesion

Tensile stress on an adhesive is created when a load is applied perpendicular to the surface. The stress generated by the load may cause an adhesion failure that is much lower than the actual tensile strength of the glue. Tensile adhesion value is not the same as tensile strength. WEST SYSTEM epoxy is formulated to have high tensile strength for applications such as creating a strong fiberglass laminate, and high tensile adhesion to common substrates for strong bonds. WEST SYSTEM G/flex® is formulated to achieve the highest adhesion values.

Loads that result in pure tensile adhesion in the real world are rare. When a tensile load is applied to a structure it often causes the substrate to deflect. This deflection then creates peel stress and can dramatically lower the strength of the assembly. It is also rare to have all the components assembled in such a way that the load path is purely tensile. A slight off-axis load can induce significant peel stress.

We use a PATTI device to measure tensile adhesion. This device pulls on bonded studs perpendicular to the surface and measures the load required to pull them off.

The Pneumatic Adhesive Tension Testing Instrument, or PATTI device, uses compressed air to inflate a bladder that lifts a metal stud glued to a substrate. A gauge measures the tensile force required to break the bond.

Tensile Adhesion of G/Flex Epoxies

MaterialG/flexSurface Prep/ConditionsTensile Adhesion (psi)
G-10 high-density laminate65080-grit sand / dry surface3459
G-10 high-density laminate65580-grit sand / wet surface2473
1018 steel65080-grit sand / dry surface3562
1018 steel65580-grit sand / wet surface1772
Galvanized steel650100-grit wet sand2562
Galvanized steel655100-grit wet sand2929
Copper65080-grit sand2334
Copper65580-grit sand2685
Bronze65080-grit sand2782
Bronze650Scotch Brite™ pad sand2962
Bronze65580-grit sand2936
316 Stainless Steel65580-grit sand2522
ABS plastic65580-grit sand1535
ABS plastic65580-grit sand, flame treat1813
ABS plastic655Alcohol wipe, flame treat3288
PVC65580-grit sand1780
PVC65580-grit sand, flame treat1813
PVC655Alcohol wipe, flame treat2081
Polyethylene (HDPE)65580-grit sand400
Polyethylene (HDPE)65580-grit sand, flame treat1890
Polyethylene (HDPE)655Alcohol wipe, flame treat2312
Polycarbonate (Lexan®)65580-grit sand1870
Ipe65060-grit sand2134
Ipe655Plane, isopropyl alcohol wipe x 32223
Teak, vertical grain65080-grit sand parallel to grain1413
Teak, vertical grain65580-grit sand parallel to grain1381
Teak, vertical grain65580-grit sand, alcohol wipe x 21503
White oak, vertical grain65080-grit sand1935
White oak, vertical grain65580-grit sand1780
White oak, vertical grain655Alcohol wipe x 22212
Purpleheart65060-grit sand parallel to grain1731

Adhesive Selection

When selecting a WEST SYSTEM epoxy product for use as a bonding adhesive consider the following:

  • Working Time
  • Assembly Time
  • Time required until clamps can be removed
  • Cure time

We rarely see failures due to the strength of the epoxy. Problems are more likely to occur when the epoxy is allowed to cure too much before the parts are assembled, or the epoxy isn’t allowed to cure sufficiently before a load is applied. Our customers are successful when they select a WEST SYSTEM epoxy designated as a structural adhesive with the cure profile that best matches their process and working conditions. In addition, best practices include preparing the surface properly and achieving the appropriate bond line thickness.

When designing, building or repairing a structure that relies on bonded components for strength, please call our Technical Advisors at 866-937-8797. We would be glad to discuss your project with you. —All text excerpted from Adhesive Bonded Structures by Jeff Wright, Epoxyworks 34