Don’t Glue Neoprene Rubber, BOND Neoprene Rubber

The modern new age poly rubbers, is one of our specialties. There are many gluing difficulties that these poly rubbers present, that very few if any adhesives can adequately solve. From silicone rubber, to nitrile rubber, to neoprene rubber…..all these polymer based rubbers are elastomers. From trial and error, we have learned that, with elastomers, pressure is needed to create a bond to any surface. Greater pressure than with polymers like nylon, HDPE, polypropylene, etc. The key to bonding any type of neoprene is applying extra firm pressure for fifteen seconds, when the two surfaces are brought together. When this technique is used in conjunction with the patented Bonding Poly Process (Process), the neoprene will be covalently bonded.  

The next set of difficulties when dealing with these poly rubbers, including neoprene, is their innate and essential flexibility. Most people are aware that when you try to glue something with conventional super glue or epoxy, the material becomes hard and brittle. This stiffness is caused by the superficial glue join between the two surfaces. The join is like a “sticky” gum between the two surfaces and will not bend, without breaking. The Process takes it a step further, by going beneath the surface on a molecular level. The Process bonds the monomers and polymers of each surface, whether the materials are similar or dissimilar. In regards to poly’s, this process is called polymerization. One of the reasons our bonding process is so effective on poly’s, is that our system of bonding them, is similar to the system used to create them. By joining the monomers and polymers, the bond takes on the characteristics of the material that it is bonded to. Flexible materials therefore, stay flexible. The culmination of our Process and Surface Insensitive Molecular Bonding Agent, solves the second most common issue faced when to bond neoprene rubber or glue neoprene rubber.

The third and final difficulty common to neoprene and other poly rubbers, is their resistance to oil, gas and other chemicals. It is fairly common knowledge that any of these liquids will easily break down a glue join. Since a glue join does not anaerobically meld the two substrates, it is exposed to oxygen and all the other elements that might break it down. Our Surface Insensitive Adhesives however, are naturally impervious to gas, oil, water, weather and most common chemicals. In addition, the bond it forms is anaerobic. No oils, gases, liquids or even oxygen can permeate the bond to degrade it over time. The chemistry of our Process solves the third and final issue with bonding neoprene and poly based rubbers. As many of the items made out of neoprene, such as gaskets, hoses, boots, COVID masks, car seat covers, sheeting, fan belts and even wet suits are repeatedly exposed to these common glue solvents, it is arguably one of the most important issues to avoid. It most be so impervious to gas, oil, water and more, that it can be continually and completely submerged and still remain unaffected. The Bonding Poly Process accomplishes this in spades.

The steps for bonding neoprene rubber to itself or to another poly surface.

1. Use sandpaper or steel wool to rough the neoprene rubber or poly surfaces.
2. Clean the surfaces with a cleaner that will not leave a residue.
3. Wipe with a soft cloth.
4. Saturate the neoprene rubber or poly surfaces with our Poly Prep, an adhesion promoter for polymers.
5. Spray one of the neoprene rubber (poly) surfaces with our Activator/Accelerator (AA).
6. Warm both poly surfaces with a hair dryer or heat gun.  By touch, you want the neoprene/poly just to below hot.  By temperature, about 120 degrees F.
7. Apply an SI Structural Adhesive to the opposite surface from where you sprayed the AA.  Make sure that the SI adhesive reaches the edges of the join.
8. Very firmly Firmly press the two surfaces together for at least 15 seconds.
9. Apply a bead of the SI Structural Adhesive to the seam between the surfaces.
10. Spray the seam with the Activator/Accelerator.

As a result of this process, the two neoprene rubber surfaces will be bonded. Operational strength is achieved almost immediately, but the strength of the bond is directly proportional to the amount of time it is given to fully cure.

NOTE: We do not as of yet have a video specific to neoprene. However the process for bonding Silicone rubber is identical, as another elastomer and poly rubber. The steps for bonding each are identical. We will have a separate video for bonding neoprene rubber shortly.

To bond neoprene rubber to steel; to bond neoprene rubber to aluminum; to bond neoprene rubber to metal

1. Rough the surface of neoprene rubber with sandpaper or steel wool.
2. Sand the steel, aluminum or metal first with a coarse grade of sand paper.
3. Then sand the steel, aluminum or and the metal with a low-grit (400 or 600) coarse sand paper.  You want a near white finish or steel or polished surface for aluminum and other metals.  It makes a difference.
4. Clean all surfaces with a cleaner that will not leave a residue.
5. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.
6. Saturate the neoprene rubber surface with our Poly Prep, an adhesion promoter for polymers.
7. Spray a solvent based Activator/Accelerator (AA) on either the neoprene rubber or metal.
8. Warm the neoprene rubber surface with a hair dryer or heat gun. By touch, you want the silicone/poly just to below hot.  By temperature, about 120 degrees F.
9. Apply an SI Structural Adhesive to the opposite surface from where the AA was sprayed.
10. Firmly press the two surfaces together for a minimum of fifteen seconds.

As a result of this process, the neoprene rubber and metal surfaces are bonded.  Operational strength is immediate, but the strength of the bond is directly proportional to the amount of time it is given to fully cure.

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Any of our Poly, Deluxe, or Professional Kits will bond Neoprene to itself and any other substrate; except stainless steel and glass.

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*If you have any questions, feel free to call 877-565-7225.