Description

Acrylic adhesives and acrylate adhesives provide excellent environmental resistance and fast-setting times when compared to other resins systems. They are created by polymerizing acrylic or methylacrylic acids through a reaction with a suitable catalyst.

Acrylic adhesives and acrylate adhesives cure through a free radical mechanism. While they are usually supplied in a two-component form, they do not typically require mixing. The catalyst, accelerator, or hardener can be applied to one surface and the acrylic resin to the other surface.

Sufficient diffusion will occur when the surfaces are joined to complete curing of the adhesive. Acrylic adhesives acrylate adhesives are available in both emulsion and solvent-based versions.

Applications

Acrylate adhesives are used in construction applications. Specialized methacrylate adhesives have been commonly applied to bond implant prostheses into bone. Many UV curable resins are acrylic base adhesives.

Specifications

Important specifications for acrylic adhesives and acrylate adhesives include the viscosity of the adhesive, the required setting or curing time, and the curing temperature necessary for the acrylic adhesives and acrylate adhesives.

Viscosity is a measurement of a fluids resistance to flow. Water is lower in viscosity than oil or honey. Oil is lower in viscosity than tar or molasses. Depending on the application method, the viscosity controls the amount of acrylic adhesives and acrylate adhesives dispensed onto a substrate.

Curing time is the length of time required to fully set a bond system. In thermosetting, hydraulically or other chemically setting system, the time will vary depending on the actual curing temperature.

Longer cure times will be required for lower curing temperatures. Also, the time required to fully dry a paste, gum based adhesive or other film drying adhesives.

Curing temperature is the temperature required to cure a thermosetting adhesive, set a two-part resin system, or to dry a film evaporation-based glue. The temperature will vary depending on the actual curing time allowable. Higher curing temperatures will be required for lower cure times.

Standards

9982236 - Adhesive, two-part, acrylic, activator.

9985954 - Adhesive, two-part, acrylic, resin.

DELPHI DX000285 - Adhesive, one-part, acrylic, UV-light cure.

SAE AMS-A-8576 - This specification covers acrylic-monomer base adhesives intended for use in bonding acrylic plastics.

References

Image Credits:

Grainger Industrial Supply | Newark / element14