Methacrylate Adhesives

Methacrylate Adhesives

Things to Know About Methacrylate Adhesives

Methacrylate adhesives are more commonly known as MMA adhesives or acrylic adhesives. This adhesive is quite strong due to its two-part reactive qualities, which is a resin and hardener, where it acts as a strengthening agent. Alone, this adhesive would be brittle, yet hard. However, once it is combined with a modifier, this structural adhesive is strong and even flexible.

Anyone who uses methacrylate adhesives needs to be aware of the fact that they can control how fast this type of adhesive cures, as well as the final strength. The control comes from what the ratio is during the mixing of the adhesive with the modifiers. The ratio can be a 1:1 or it can be as tricky as 100:3.

While many people prefer this adhesive to cure quickly and do what they can to achieve that result, they often find that the strength of the adhesive suffers drastically. Therefore, it is necessary to use the proper ratio for the product, as well as the correct cooling temperature, so that everything holds nice and firm.
The best part of methacrylate adhesives is that a person can skip the mixing of the resin and the hardener. They can apply the resin to one side and the hardener to the other side before pressing together and beginning the curing process. Not only does this save time; it also prevents potential errors of the adhesive hardening too quickly, before items are attached.

Most adhesives only work when a person is trying to bond like items together, but methacrylate adhesives can be used to create a bond between any items. That means anyone can easily attach metal to plastic or any other unique materials and end up with excellent results.

MMA adhesive material is a relatively new product. However, it has shown to work well in across many industries. Currently, methacrylate adhesives see vast usage within the transport, aerospace, marine, and automotive industries. Most of the time, this bonding adhesive is right on the production lines, where it goes onto different metals, composites, and thermoplastics.

A Few Items Methacrylate Adhesives Bond to:

  • Truck trailer beds
  • The stiffener for door panels
  • Sliding roofs
  • Fenders
  • Deck liners
  • Ski boats
  • Yachts
  • Magnets within loudspeakers

When applying this bonding agent to any materials surface preparation is vital. Simply wipe oils or dirt from the surface with an alcohol wipe or another cleaning solvent. Once the materials are dry, the methacrylate adhesives can be applied. While people can mix their adhesive, numerous types are premixed and ready to use. The premixed options can be placed into dispensing equipment, to make the application process even faster and easier.

Methacrylate adhesive is a better product than most people give it credit for, simply because they do not realize how much easier it is to use than welding pieces together or attaching them all with screws and bolts.

A Few Benefits of Methacrylate Adhesives:

  • Different curing times
  • Less time preparing the surfaces for bonding
  • Flexible yet strong
  • Can fill large gaps in any material
  • Resists deterioration due to the elements
  • Easy to apply
  • Resistant to fatigue
  • Bonds multiple materials together

While methacrylate adhesives are easy to use, there are some precautions that everyone must take before using them and while using them. First, wear proper protective clothing, gloves, eye gear, and face gear while handling this material. Failure to do this can result in severe eye irritation and an allergic skin reaction.

Anyone who is exposed to methacrylate adhesives when not wearing the appropriate protective gear must see their doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. All protective gear should be washed after exposure and before it is worn again to prevent any of the adhesives from being accidentally touched and introduced to the face, eyes, mouth, or other parts of the body.

Methacrylate adhesive is also flammable, and extra precautions need to be taken if a fire does start. Water will not extinguish the flames and may make the fire spread faster. Instead, dry extinguishing powder or alcohol-resistant foam should be used and then collected for proper disposal.

This material should be stored in a cool and ventilated area, and the container should be tightly closed at all times. That can prevent accidental exposure, as well as the possibility of the adhesive igniting and causing a fire.

Methacrylate adhesive is a useful addition to the adhesive world, but as with everything else, care must be taken when using it. Check the Prime Industries store for our selection of Methacrylate adhesives or contact us to find the right product for your application.