How to glue Ionomer/Ionomer plastic
How to Glue Ionomer Plastic
Ionomers are copolymers of ethylene and meth(acrylic) acid, characterized by interchain ionic bonding. This bond occurs between metal cations such as zinc, sodium, and lithium and an anion like the carboxylate group. Due to the dissociation of interchain ionic bonds at high temperatures, ionomers can be processed using standard thermoplastic methods.
The properties of ionomer resins vary with the amount and type of metal cation and the comonomer content. Ionomers containing zinc cations have better flow, impact strength, tear resistance, paintability, and lower optical haze. Those with sodium cations offer lower optical haze and improved resistance to stress cracking, while the addition of lithium cations increases modulus.
Ionomer resins are widely used in industry for various purposes, such as packaging due to their strength and durability. They are also used in specialized applications where their unique properties, such as strength, clarity, and resistance, are advantageous. The surface tension of ionomers is generally low, typically ranging from 18 to 20 dyn/cm.
Ionomers are also marketed under other trade names such as Formion and Surlyn.
Bonding
Bonding ionomers can be challenging due to their low surface energy. Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned of any contaminants like oils or greases that may prevent proper adhesion. Use an appropriate cleaning method, such as a non-oily cleaning solvent, and in some cases (depending on part requirements), it is recommended to pre-treat surfaces with primer or corona/plasma treatment before bonding.
Choose an adhesive specifically designed for bonding ionomers or fluoropolymers.
Ionomers can crack under stress from uncured cyanoacrylate glue, so excess glue should be removed from the surface immediately.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bonding and curing ionomer adhesives to achieve optimal results.
Since each application has different bonding strength requirements depending on use and function, it is always recommended to evaluate the adhesive’s strength and durability to ensure it meets the requirements for your specific application.
Manufacturers
Formion from A. Schulman
Surlyn from DuPont
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