Thermoset plastics bond strength

Control of crosslinking is critical for processing thermoset plastics, both the reaction prior to the gel point and that subsequent to the gel point. The period after the gel point is usually referred to as the curing period. Too slow or too rapid crosslinking can be detrimental to the properties of a desired product. Thus, in the production of a thermoset foamed product, the foam structure may collapse if gelation occurs too slowly. On the other hand, for reinforced and laminated products the bond strength of the components may be low if crosslinking occurs too quickly. 

C. Epoxy ROSins. The epoxy resins are thermosetting plastics which have great strength and the ability to form tenacious bonds with most surfaces. Furthermore, the cured resin is resistant to many solvents and chemicals. (Some epoxy resins are decomposed by acetic acid, and all are attacked by very strong oxidizing agents.) Because of this combination of properties, epoxy cements are frequently used to bond metal, glass, wood, and plastics. 

In cemented assemblies of thermoset plastics and metals, where structural strength is generally desired, the adhesive must be more rigid than those used for bonding plastic to plastic, i.e., one with modulus, strength, and coefficient of thermal expansion between those of the plastic and the metal. In many cases, such adhesives are stronger than the plastic itself... 

Materials bonded include metals, ceramics, glass, and thermosetting plastics. Applications are primarily for high strengths and high temperatures. Examples of alloy adhesives are shown in Table 4.4. 

Materials most commonly bonded Formulation range covers all materials, but emphasis on nonmetallics—especially wood, leather, cork, paper, etc. For structural uses of most materials Few used straight for rubber, fabric, foil, paper, leather, plastics films also as tapes. Most modified with synthetic resins Metals, ceramics, glass, thermosetting plastics nature of adherends often not as vital as design or end-service conditions (that is, high strength and temperature)... 

Corrosion Resistant Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP). Fiber glass reinforcement bonded with furfuryl alcohol thermosetting resias provides plastics with unique properties. Excellent resistance to corrosion and heat distortion coupled with low flame spread and low smoke emission are characteristics that make them valuable as laminating resins with fiber glass (75,76). Another valuable property of furan FRP is its strength at elevated temperature. Hand-layup, spray-up, and filament-win ding techniques are employed to produce an array of corrosion-resistant equipment, pipes, tanks, vats, ducts, scmbbers, stacks, and reaction vessels for industrial appHcations throughout the world. 

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