Polyurethane is everywhere. It is one of the most common plastics and as it has the possibility to contribute to sustainability, it is one of our favorites too. Polyurethane is in our houses, cars, clothes, phones and other electronics. Polyurethane contributes to sustainability by increasing energy efficiency in our homes and appliances, reducing our reliance on raw materials such as wood and making our cars lighter and therefore more fuel efficient. We aim to further the sustainability of polyurethane, by making sure it does not end up in our plastic oceans, once used.
With the Bonding Poly Process (Process) you can quickly, easily and permanently repair polyurethane. The many characteristics of polyurethane, can make it hard to distinguish. It can be soft or hard, rigid or flexible. It is in everything from mattresses to roller blade wheel. For this reason, when bonding Polyurethane, the most important consideration is to ensure that you have a versatile adhesive. Because polyurethane can be soft or hard, stiff or flexible and can be in and around virtually anything, a surface insensitive bonding agent, that can take on the characteristics of whatever you are bonding it to, is imperative.
Polyurethane is made from isocyanates and polyols. Much like other poly’s, it has a lower surface energy, that makes it harder to glue polyurethane, no matter the form. Fortunately the Process transforms what would be a strictly superficial ‘sticky’ glue join, into a substrate deep molecular meld. Glue joins are exposed and are not permanent. They work in much the same was as a sticky peanut butter sandwich, holding two pieces of bread together. The Process uses the laws of chemistry and physics, to form covalent bonds between the monomers and polymers of each surface. This is why we say to bond polyurethane, the differences are plainly evident.
Wherever and wherever we state that we can bond polypropylene or any other poly the universal reaction is skepticism. Skeptics are the reason why we have a 100% customer satisfaction money-back guarantee. If any of our kits do not perform to your expectations, we will refund your purchase price. Simply return the kit. After selling thousands of kits, we have not had to make a refund. In the years since we developed the Process, we have only had to make one refund, who failure was caused by a lack of sufficient surface area to form a bond. This case is outlined on the Bond Polypropylene page.
To bond polyurethane to itself or to any other polymer
When work time is NOT required.
- Rough the polyurethane (poly) surface(s) with either steel wool or sandpaper.
- Clean the surface with a cleaner that will not leave a residue. Thoroughly wipe with a soft cloth.
- Saturate both polyurethane (poly) surfaces with the Poly Prep. an adhesion promoter for polymers.
- Spray a light mist of our Activator/Accelerator (AA) on one of the polyurethane surfaces.
- Warm both polyurethane (poly) surfaces with a hair dryer or heat gun. Very warm, but not hot. By temperature, approximately 120 degrees F.
- Apply an SI Structural Adhesive to the opposite polyurethane (poly) surface (from where you sprayed the AA).
- Align the surfaces and firmly press together for 10-15 seconds.
When work time is needed.
- Rough the polyurethane (poly) surface(s) with a either steel wool or sandpaper.
- Clean the surface(s) with a cleaner that will not leave a residue. Thoroughly wipe with a soft cloth.
- Saturate both polyurethane (poly) surfaces with the Poly Prep. which is an adhesion promoter for polymers.
- Warm both polyurethane (poly) surfaces with a hair dryer or heat gun till the surfaces are very warm, but not hot.
- By temperature, approximately 120 degrees F.
- By touch, just below hot.
- Apply an SI Structural Adhesive using continuous circles to one of the polyurethane (poly) surfaces.
- When applying, make sure that the SI adhesive reaches the edges.
- Make sure the adhesive is in an unbroken line. The chemical reaction started in step 7 will travel along the adhesive line.
- Align the surfaces, firmly press the two surfaces together for 6 – 8 seconds.
- Spray the seam with the Activator/Accelerator. As stated, the chemical reaction will travel, following the adhesive line.
As a result of this process, the two polyurethane (poly) surfaces will be bonded together. Operational strength is within an hour. Full strength can take up to a month.
NOTE: Each substrate will soon have its own video. For now, substitute polyurethane for Teflon in the video below. The Bonding Poly Process is universal for all poly plastics. The end result will be the same. It is our most informative video.
To bond polyurethane to steel or any other metal.
Please note, the Process will not permanently bond stainless or alloy steels.
- Rough the polyurethane surfaces with low grit sand paper.
- Sand the aluminum to a polished surface. Prepare the steel to a near white finish. In both cases, start the surface preparation with a coarse grit paper and finish with a 400 or 600 grit paper.
- Clean all surfaces with a cleaner that will not leave a residue. Wipe with a clean soft cloth.
- Saturate the polyurethane with our Poly Prep, an adhesion promoter for polymers and poly-plastics.
- Spray a solvent based Activator/Accelerator (AA) on the polyurethane surface or the metal.
- Warm the polyurethane surface with a hair dryer or heat gun. Warm to very warm, but not hot.
- By touch, just below hot.
- By temperature, about 120 degrees F.
- Apply an SI cyanoacrylate to the opposite surface from where AA was sprayed.
- Firmly press the two surfaces together for fifteen to twenty seconds.
In conclusion, the polyurethane and metal surfaces will be bonded together. Operational strength is within an hour. Full strength may take up to a month. If work time is needed use the procedure described above.
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Any of our Poly, Deluxe, or Professional Kits will bond Polyurethane to itself and any other substrate; except stainless steel and glass.
*If you have any questions, feel free to call 877-565-7225.