If plastic elements are broken, repairing them usually involves gluing the parts together. But not every composition can cope with such a task, due to a number of features that this material has. There are different types of plastic, so before you seal the plastic, you need to decide on the type of product. More details about determining the type of material and the rules for choosing glue for plastic will be discussed below.
Types of adhesives for plastics
The adhesive must include a component capable of dissolving synthetic-based polymers. Liquid polystyrene adds additional viscosity to the mixture. The strong solvent included in the composition destroys the molecular structure of the surface layer of the plastic, providing a closer adhesion after hardening.
Each type of plastic uses its own type of solvent.
If you use a mixture with the wrong solvent, the chemical reaction may not even occur and the plastic parts will not stick together.
Additionally, adhesive mixtures include hardeners that accelerate drying and fillers, represented by molecules of the material for which the adhesive is intended.
According to the method of application, adhesives are liquid, contact and reaction. Hot melt adhesive is included in a separate group.
Hot melt adhesive
This is a high-temperature composition that can manifest its abilities only after heating to 110-120 °C. To work you need a glue gun. The glue is applied pointwise. It glues not only plastic, but also wood and paper.
Contact
Work with the funds of this group takes place in two stages.
- The glue is applied to the surface in a thin layer.
- After a few minutes, the surface layer of plastic softens, which makes it easier for the bases to adhere to each other. The parts are pressed tightly against each other so that the molecules of their upper softened layer mix. When the solvent evaporates, a strong weld is formed.
The group includes Moment, BF-2 and other products for gluing polystyrene and various plastics.
The mixtures are toxic, so you can only work in a well-ventilated area. Due to the harmful components in the composition, contact adhesives should not be allowed to come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes.
Liquid
Adhesives with a liquid consistency glue porous plastic. They may contain an organic solvent or be water-based. Liquid glue is applied to the surface, another part is pressed against it and held for a time sufficient for the liquid to evaporate from the composition. One of the representatives is PVA. They glue linoleum or wood together.
Reactionary
Most often it is one-component, capable of quickly dissolving the surface layer of the material, and also quickly forming a strong and rigid seam.
Representatives: Superglue, Secunda and similar ones.
A two-component adhesive consists of two separately stored elements: a hardener and a fixer. Before gluing, a certain amount of each component is mixed and applied to the plastic. After the composition hardens, a tight seam is formed. The base is epoxy or polyester resin.
The disadvantage of glue is that it takes a long time to harden and the seam becomes more brittle over time.
Features of choice
When choosing an adhesive, you need to consider the type of plastic. To do this, each product is marked in the shape of a triangle with arrows:
- PETE is the most common polyethylene, a thermoplastic used to make food containers and packaging materials. Often used in the production of electrical and radio components, containers for cosmetics.
- PVC is plasticized polyvinyl chloride, a universal material used in the production of the vast majority of items: furniture, building materials, various parts, containers for food products.
- LDPE is a thermoplastic considered a good thermal insulator. It is used to make pipes, packaging, and toys.
- PP is durable, rigid, the cheapest polypropylene, considered a cheap and popular plastic. It is used in the production of sewer pipes, automobile parts, and various tools. Excellent resistance to aggressive substances and temperature changes.
- PS polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer that is resistant to chemicals and moisture. One of the common types of plastic from which furniture, dishes, and heat-insulating coatings are created.
- Other and other types of plastic, to which various polymer elements are added. Not reused. It is characterized by high strength.
The tube must be sealed, undamaged, and contain information and detailed instructions. To repair toys, you should purchase a solution based on BF glue.
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It is advisable to choose packaging of a volume that is sufficient for repairs, so that there is no surplus left. Despite the tight closure of the lid, the fixing compounds are prone to drying out and losing their adhesive (adhesive) properties.
When choosing an adhesive, you should consider the material to which the plastic is glued.
When purchasing an adhesive, it is important to consider the material to which the plastic is attached : paper, leather, metal, wood, etc. If the product is planned to be used outside or in places with high humidity (kitchen, bathroom, shower), moisture-resistant types are used. When working with contact adhesive compositions, ensure ventilation and ventilation.
One-component and two-component adhesives for plastic have their own markings in the form of letter abbreviations. For example, PPMA (plexiglass), PP (polypropylene), PA 66 (polyamide), etc. For ordinary consumers, these designations do not have much meaning, since any adhesive for plastic has instructions that indicate the types of plastic suitable for gluing.
The best waterproof adhesives
Plastic can withstand prolonged exposure to moisture well. For a waterproof connection when organizing an assembly unit from plastic parts, it is necessary to use special adhesives.
Moment plastic
The best mixture from the group of contact agents. Produced in Russia. The cost of a tube weighing 30 g is 59 rubles. Plastic and polyethylene are held together well. Dries quickly and retains its strength characteristics even when exposed to moisture.
The result is a transparent seam that is not afraid of temperature fluctuations, acids, alkalis, salts, and other aggressive chemical reagents of inorganic origin. The sealant contains toxic components, so it should not come into contact with skin or food.
3m scotch weld pr100
Epoxy composition has good adhesion to plastic. Complete hardening in 20 minutes. The cracks are well sealed and the broken parts are attached. Suitable for various types of plastics.
Loctite 406
This is a German brand, and the glue itself is produced in Ireland. It firmly connects smooth and rough surfaces. Packaged in jars of 20 g. Package price ~635 rub.
The adhesive-sealant has a high polymerization rate, low viscosity and resistance to temperature fluctuations from -40 to +80 °C. When fixing plastics, elastomers, metals or rubber, there is no gap. The disadvantage is the high price, strong toxic odor, and not all plastics are suitable for gluing.
Cosmofen Plus S
The most popular composition for installing plumbing systems. It is made in Germany and costs 244 rubles. for 0.2 kg. It is white in color and is often called liquid plastic. Waterproof, resistant to alcohol and petroleum products. Used for gluing polypropylene pipes, plastic gutters, when installing pipelines, installing advertising space, plastic windows and doors. The formed seam withstands precipitation, sunlight, and temperature changes. Dries quickly and forms a flexible seam. The only drawback is the strong toxic smell.
88 Luxe
The product is produced in Russia. It is produced in metal cans of 0.9 kg, so it is purchased for large-volume work. The cost of the can is 370 rubles. The mixture combines plastic, plastic, rubber, and is used in the shoe industry for gluing polymers. Forms a durable, water-resistant seam. The main disadvantage is the pungent odor and long drying time.
Briefly about the main thing
When choosing how to glue PVC plastic together or with other materials, it is better to focus not on a promoted brand, but on real reviews and your own experience. And if it is not there, consult with the seller and pay attention to such points as purpose, release form, setting speed, method of application. Contact adhesive is usually inexpensive and is packaged in small containers, so you can buy several types at once and conduct your own tests.
Question
Write in the comments what you think - is it better to buy cheap Chinese glue or look for compounds from well-known manufacturers?
The best heat-resistant adhesives
Modern plastic can withstand very high temperatures. When gluing bases made of such material, special heat-resistant adhesives must be used.
Akfix ht300
Sealant resistant to high temperatures and moisture. The main component is silicone, which hardens when exposed to moist air. Thermal resistance of the composition is up to +300 °C.
Elite dragon
A polymer mixture that holds together plastic, parquet, ceramics, wood, etc. It has high adhesive characteristics and is resistant to high temperatures.
Mastix epoxy termo
Two-component composition of Russian production. Tubes with a total weight of 50 g cost 67 rubles. The product glues polymers, glass, metal, wood, and ceramics. After polymerization is completed, the seam is maintained at t=+250 °C. It is epoxy and contains fillers and hardeners. Has a viscous consistency.
Both components are mixed in the same ratio. The resulting mass is applied to both surfaces to be glued. Complete hardening of the seam occurs after 5-6 hours at room temperature. The seam can withstand high temperatures, frosts down to -60 °C.
Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes.
Rexant glue sticks
Rods from a Russian manufacturer are available in different thicknesses, lengths, and colors. Single rods or sets of 10-12 pieces are sold. Set price for 10 pcs. – 207 rub. The product sets quickly, forming a strong, elastic, heat-resistant seam. Apply with an electric gun. You can join paper, synthetic fibers, plastic, glass, leather and metal surfaces. The main disadvantage is the mandatory presence of a glue gun.
How to achieve maximum effect when gluing plastic parts
To ensure maximum effect when gluing plastic at home, you should:
- accurately determine the material and select the appropriate adhesive for it;
- carefully follow the instructions for use;
- wait for the required time for the seam to gain strength and do not try to use the product ahead of time;
- for outdoor use or for items used in high humidity conditions, you need to choose a waterproof brand;
- despite the declared heat resistance of the adhesive, the parts themselves may not survive this temperature;
- If there is no marking on the product, then you can try dropping a drop of adhesive in an inconspicuous place and see if the material dissolves.
Epoxy resin
Epoxy glue produces one of the strongest bonds and is compatible with many types of plastics.
The best superglues
You can use superglue to repair a broken part or glue a miniature plastic model together. It sets quickly and holds firmly.
Permatex super glue
Provides maximum connection strength. Made in the USA. For a 2-gram tube you will have to pay 126 rubles. Has a gel-like consistency. The adhesive joint can withstand loads up to 245N. The composition glues thin parts, hard-to-reach and vertical surfaces well. A strong connection is possible with non-porous plastic.
Can be used on plastic, plastic, metal, rubber and ceramic parts.
The composition is economical, one drop is enough to lubricate a surface measuring 6 cm2. Forms a transparent connecting seam.
Economy express universal
Cheap Chinese superglue, has a reliable cap that prevents air from getting inside the tube. Easy to use, sets quickly, costs 33 rubles. for 3 g. Suitable for plastic, plastic, metal, paper, rubber, porcelain parts. Creates a strong connection that can withstand loads up to 210 N.
After applying the glue to the cleaned, degreased surface, the parts are pressed against each other for up to 1 minute.
It has a pungent odor, so you need to work in a well-ventilated area.
Superglue Strength
Superglue made in China. For a 3-gram tube you have to pay no more than 50 rubles. It is easy to glue porcelain, plastic, glass, plastic, leather and wood parts together. A tube with a long spout allows you to apply the mixture pointwise, which saves its consumption. It does not spread and does not stain your hands. The main component is ethyl cyanoacrylate with the addition of a thickener. After drying, it forms a colorless seam, therefore suitable for gluing white and colored parts. Connection strength – 175 N.
It does not have a strong odor and sets in a few seconds. The main disadvantage is the large number of fakes on the market.
Henkel Super Moment Maxi
Good glue for joining polymers. Connect metal, cardboard, ceramic, porcelain bases. Sold in a soft tube with an elongated spout for targeted application without contaminating your hands. The cap securely closes the spout, preventing air from getting inside.
Henkel is a German brand, but this superglue is produced in Russia, which is why its quality is not always stable.
A tube weighing 20 g costs on average 290 rubles.
Cold welding Mastix MS 0115
Volume : 55 g.
Price : 67 rub.
Heat-resistant adhesive Cold welding Mastix MS 0115 is widely used in repair work. Many masters prefer it due to a number of advantages:
- for reliable fastening of parts;
- for quick drying;
- for flexibility to temperature conditions.
This adhesive is suitable for joints made of heat-resistant materials including plastics, ceramics and non-ferrous metals. Working with the composition is allowed under critical temperature conditions: from -60 to +250 degrees. As buyers say, Mastix MS 0115 is an irreplaceable thing for a motorist. Foreign heat-resistant analogues cost several times more, but they are glued in the same way.
Methods without glue
- Dichloroethane. A toxic component that can dissolve plastic. It must be mixed correctly, then you will get a thick mass, which will serve as a fastening element.
- Heating pad or soldering iron. A method for professionals, since beginners often have difficulty soldering plastic. With a soldering iron, you can directly melt the seams of plastic parts or use plastic with the same markings as structural elements as solder.
- Acetone. The substance first degreases the plastic, cracks and chips are moistened with a brush. The parts are pressed tightly, and acetone is applied again on top. The plastic dissolves a little, creating a soldering effect, and after hardening it reliably holds the parts together.
What can you do at home?
This is a generally accepted name for materials, the main (and sometimes exclusive) component of which are macromolecular natural or synthetic substances Source replast-ltd.com
Perhaps someone believes that all plastics are the same in structure, but this is a misconception, sometimes leading to damage to parts that are going to be glued together. To figure out what can be used to dissolve plastic, it’s a good idea to determine its type - manufacturers often mark products with a triangle with a number from 1 to 7 in the center. In addition, there may also be an abbreviation that will help determine the type of plastic.
How to glue plastic
- The parts are thoroughly cleaned and degreased with soapy water or ethanol to improve adhesion characteristics.
- The surface is lightly sanded until rough.
- The two-component composition is mixed in proportions according to the instructions.
- If a brush is used to apply glue, it must have artificial bristles.
- The mixture is applied. There is no need for excess product to protrude beyond the surface to be pasted.
- The plastic bases are pressed.
- The holding time of the parts in the pressed state depends on the type of glue.
Tips for use
The glue must be applied to a clean, grease-free surface.
Before applying glue for plastic and ensuring strong fixation of plastic to plastic or other material, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures:
- degrease the surface (you can use acetone);
- sand the areas of future gluing to ensure roughness;
- mix the glue in the required proportions (if required by the instructions);
- use brushes made of synthetic fibers rather than natural ones;
- apply the product in a thin layer to avoid the adhesive layer coming out;
- press the parts firmly, but without excessive load.
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To achieve the best gluing result, the specified curing time must be maintained before and after the compression process. If there is no marking on the plastic, you can apply a drop of glue to an inconspicuous area of the product and monitor the reaction.
Epoxy resin
If something needs to be glued together for years, epoxy resin is the best option. And regardless of the brand chosen, each of them shows excellent gluing results. The hardeners contained in epoxy resin are resistant to all types of influence, including acids. Many craftsmen also make jewelry from epoxy resin. They place a flower or any other object in a mold and fill it with resin. The resulting pendant can faithfully serve its owner for many years.
