Glue Polyethylene? No, “bond” Polyethylene – with our patented Polymer Bonding Process (Process)
HDPE pipe, silicone rubber, Teflon, a steel and aluminum squares are bonded onto the polyethylene plate.
ABOVE BUTTON JUMPS TO POLYETHYLENE PIPE AND TANK REPAIR SECTION
CONTINUE READING FOR BONDING POLYETHYLENE
If you had asked Google “How to glue polyethylene?”, we often come up as the result. This is as a result of our patented Bonding Poly Process. We paved the way in the Poly bonding arena and were the first with bond polyethylene, bond nylon, bond Teflon and bond silicone pages etc. etc. Through our extensive experience of over 20 years, we were able to develop the tools and steps necessary to achieve amazing results, even with the most difficult low surface energy materials.
Bonding polyethylene’ with the Polymer Bonding Process only takes four simple steps. The Process bonds polyethylene quickly, easily and permanently. It takes the place of acid etching, flame etching in order to weld polyethylene together. The Process joins the two surfaces together, on a molecular level. Unlike glues or epoxy’s that work purely on a superficial level by being “sticky”, our molecular bonding process takes place beneath the surface. What the Process is, is the cohesion of the monomers and polymers of each material, whether they are similar or dissimilar. In regards to plastics, 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. Our Bonding Poly Process is a quick, easy and effective way to permanently interlace two surfaces together on a molecular level.
The Process bonds any polymer to itself, to any other polymer and/or to any other substrate. This includes all types of polyethylene; low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE in particular used to be a challenge due to its high abrasion resistance. Its slick, hard surface makes it all but impossible for glues or epoxy’s, that work by being ‘sticky’, to stick. It is like trying to glue water and why conventional wisdom is that you cannot glue polymers. Sticking two items together on a superficial level by being sticky, only works on certain materials and polymers are not one of them. This is especially true for HDPE with its abrasion resistance and LDPE with its low surface energy. These unique material difficulties, along with years of trial and error, are what led us to the end all solution for all poly’s and difficult substrates; the Bonding Poly Process.
Materials with high surface energy have attractive forces and they are easy to bond or even ‘glue’. Materials with low surface energy like polyethylene, have inherently repulsive forces, which make it virtually impenetrable and therefore impossible to ‘glue’. The chemistry and physics behind the process, are what ensure its success. Since the finalization of the Process in 2016, there has not been a reported bond failure. Wherever and whenever we state that we can bond polyethylene 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 only made one refund.
Below is a video showing the steps in the Polymer Bonding Process. We are working on a new “Don’t glue polyethylene, bond polyethylene” video, As soon as the video is complete we will post the polyethylene video.
Note: The Process will not permanently bond glass, stainless or alloy steels.
Poly Kits
With each Poly Kit you will receive:
- An SI Structural Adhesive
- Our standard Activator/Accelerator
- The Poly Prep
Bonds All Types Of Polyethylene
PET, PETG, HDPE, LDPE and UHMWPE.
1) PET or PETG
PET and PETG are forms of polyethylene and are the other polymers used for bottles. You can bond PET together, though the resulting bond may be cloudy. Test first. PET is unfortunately very brittle. PETG is semi-rigid and less prone to breakage; due to its impact resistance. It is much easier to bond PETG. PETG is a glycol modified version of PET. Its clear advantages over PET, including resistance to high temperature and water, make PETG filament one of the most popular selections of 3D printing materials. It is easily formed in to different shapes, details and curves; which is the reason for PETG’s extreme printability. This ability to metamorphosize is also what makes PETG an ideal candidate for molecular bonding.
PET like your average crazy glue or adhesive epoxy, is brittle and prone to breakage. The same is true for glue based joins. They are brittle, inflexible and prone to breakage. Molecular bonding is more like PETG, though more than semi-rigid, it can be fully flexible and takes on the characteristics of whatever it is bonded to. The covalent bond formed between the PETG and itself, or between the PETG and PLA or whatever material you are bonding it to, is what makes the difference between molecular bonding and glue joins.
2) HDPE
HDPE or high-density polyethylene is one of the most versatile plastics available. Since HDPE has a crystalline structure which makes it strong and rigid, it is the ideal polymer for many industries. The Process (Bonding Poly Process) allows HDPE to be bonded to itself, to other polymers and/or to other substrates. Polymer to Polymer bonds are very strong and have a psi rating in excess of 2000. Cross bonding HDPE to other substrates will produce a slightly lower psi. The primary advantage of the Process in cross-bonding though, is the durability of the bond, which is an important consideration with long lasting HDPE material.
3) LDPE
Low-density polyethylene or LDPE is one of the primary poly’s used in bottles. Another common use is as a film. With the Process, you can successfully bond items to LDPE bottles. As long there is good surface contact, resulting bonds will be dishwater safe.
4) UHMWPE
UHMWPE or HMPE polymers are self-lubricating, which make it resistant to wear and abrasion. ‘Super glues’ or epoxies, which essentially work by being sticky, have nothing to grab onto. The extremely slick and abrasion resistant surface, offers challenges most adhesives simply cannot overcome. So the most important consideration to make when attempting to glue or rather bond UHMW, is will it do the job? Enter the Bonding Poly Process and molecular bonding. Our process bonds materials together on a molecular level. To put it simply, the monomers and polymers of each surface form a covalent bond, regardless of the substrate (with the exception of stainless steel and glass). It does not simply stick to the surface, so this slippery resistant material, can be bonded.
The second most important consideration when bonding UHMW is to consider the wear resistance and durability of the adhesive. UHMW’s wear resistance and high durability, make it ideal for molecular bonding. Bonds do no degrade over time. The glue joins formed by super glue on the other hand, do degrade over time. The stick is not permanent. For such a durable material, this is less than ideal. Molecular bonds however, are not exposed to the elements. They do not degrade over time. Like UHMW, they are resistant to not only water, but oil, gas and other common chemicals as well. With the bonds resistant to age and weathering, in conjunction with their phenomenal sheer and tensile strength, the bonds are very durable.
BP Blue: the adhesive for polyethylene
The Alternative for Manufacturers when bonding polyethylene: BP Blue
BP Blue is a structural adhesive that will work with many thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. BP Blue is not recommended for elastomers, or for cross bonding different polymers to each other or a polymer to a non-poly substrate. Though BP Blue can be used by itself, we strongly recommend the use of our standard Activator/Accelerator (AA) when bonded polyethylene. BP Blue will also bond other thermoplastic polymers, including; polypropylene, polyurethane, HDPE, Teflon®, Delrin®, UHMW’s, , nylon, etc., to themselves or to other long string polymers. BP Blue is not recommended for bonding elastomers or for cross-bonding a thermoplastic to other substrates. BP Blue withstands the extremes of weather and, in most cases, these bonds will not degrade over time. BP Blue dries clear, and testing shows that bonds made with BP Blue will actually increase in strength for at least thirty days.
Save 15% With Tech-Bond Kits
Any of our Poly, Deluxe, or Professional Kits will bond Polyethylene to itself and any other substrate; except stainless steel and glass.
Bonding Repair Steps:
To bond polyethylene to itself or to any other polymer
When work time is NOT required.
- Rough the polyethylene (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 polyethylene (poly) surfaces with the Poly Prep. an adhesion promoter for polymers.
- Spray a light mist of our Activator/Accelerator (AA) on one of the polyethylene surfaces.
- Warm both polyethylene (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 polyethylene (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 polyethylene (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 polyethylene (poly) surfaces with the Poly Prep. which is an adhesion promoter for polymers.
- Warm both polyethylene (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 polyethylene (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 polyethylene (poly) surfaces will be bonded together. Operational strength is almost immediate, but the strength of the bond is directly proportional to the amount of time it is given to fully cure.
To bond polyethylene to steel or any other metal
Please note, the Process will not permanently bond stainless or alloy steels.
- Rough the polyethylene 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 polyethylene with our Poly Prep, an adhesion promoter for polymers and poly-plastics.
- Spray a solvent based Activator/Accelerator (AA) on the polyethylene surface or the metal.
- Warm the polyethylene 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 polyethylene and metal surfaces will be bonded together. Operational strength is almost immediate, but the strength of the bond is directly proportional to the amount of time it is given to fully cure. If work time is needed use the procedure described above.
*If you have any questions, feel free to call 877-565-7225.
Polyethylene Pipe and Tank Repair Section
Use a Tech-Patch to seal holes and cracks in PEX pipe, HDPE pipe and HDPE tanks.
PEX Pipe and HDPE pipes are the pipes of the 21st century. They are pipe solutions that are both more durable and less expensive than other pipe alternatives. However, there will still be holes drilled into these pipes, Accidents will happen. There will still be leaks. Replacing any type of poly pipe will still be a chore, but replacement has been the only option. No longer. Tech-Patches will permanently seal any holes or cracks in PEX pipes, HDPE pipes and HDPE tanks. Our Tech-Patch is an extremely weather, gas and ozone resistant revolutionary FVMQ poly patch. Fluorosilicone is the polymer of choice in extreme environments for the automotive and aerospace industries. The molecular bond between the Tech-Patch and pipe or tank substrate, provides a full seal. All Tech-Patches come with a lifetime guarantee for the life of the pipe. So far after thousands have been sold, we have yet to have a single leak or failure. This is because of 2 key components of the TPRS system. 1) The TPRS system seals the cracks or holes and provides the PEX pipe or HDPE pipe with a flush and full contact seal. This is a far more effective repair methodology, than simply taking a wrap, wrapping it around the pipe and crossing your fingers. It may be slightly more involved than just taking and throwing something over the pipe a few times, but it is not hard either and far more effective.
There are two huge advantages to using a Tech-Patch over a putty epoxy or wrap, to repair tanks and pipes. Epoxy putty used on tanks and pipes easily chips off when the the tank flexes, expands or contracts. This is a big problem with 2 part epoxies as this is a normal function for plastic tanks. Changes in temperature will cause thermal expansion and extraction. Tech-Patches on the other hand, are flexible and will expand and contract with the pipe or tank. Repairs are permanent and will not chip or break off, causing leaks. One glance of reviews on Amazon of Quicksteel like products, will easily convey the magnitude of importance of this very necessary feature. The second advantage is the extreme life of the patch. It not only permanently fixes and prevents the spread of the problem area, but preserves the life of the surrounding area. Our revolutionary FVMQ poly patch material is long lasting and will outlast any material it is bonded to. Accelerated aging tests reveal that Tech-Patches actually protect and preserve the broken area. The repaired portion of pipe shows almost no wear, as opposed to the outside which was covered in rust.
Tech-Patch Kit for all polyethylene types.
Tech-Patches are impervious or highly resistant to oil, gas, all hydrocarbons, water, weather, salt, grease and most common chemicals. Most importantly, Tech-Patches ALWAYS work.
Repairing PEX pipe
PEX is a cross-linked polyethylene that is very stable, which makes it ideal for piping. You can butt joint PEX pipe, but, with the limited surface, you will run into the laws of physics. You can’t pull the butt joint apart, but the ability to flex is minimal. A Tech-Patch will fix any holes or cracks that occur in PEX pipe. This type of pipe is very common is residential and commercial plumbing. The average psi running through these pipes is 50 psi. The pressure rating for a Tech-Patch repair on PEX pipe is 120 psi, so it will more than cover even the highest pressure burst for this type of plumbing, which is 80 psi. In fact, to be complaint with the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, the pressure in these pipes in not supposed to rise above 80 psi. Our Tech-Patch is an extremely weather, gas and ozone resistant FVMQ poly patch. The molecular bond between the Tech-Patch and pipe or tank substrate, provides a full seal.
Repairing HDPE pipe
HDPE or high-density polyethylene pipe is a flexible pipe used in gas and fluid transfer. They are a common replacement from the more dated concrete and steel substrate options. When fused together, HDPE pipe has a zero leak rate. With these considerations in mind, any repair of HDPE pipe holes or cracks, would need to be 1) flexible 2) gas and water impervious and 3) provide a full zero leak seal. The TPRS system fulfills all three of these HDPE pipe repair requirements. The Tech-Patch, a FVMQ poly patch, will flex and expand and contract with the pipe, is impervious to gasoline, water and common chemicals and provides a full zero-leak seal. The full seal is the result of the molecular bond of the patch to the HDPE pipe substrate, using the steps of the Bonding Poly Process. It is the only pipe repair system of its kind, that offers a full and permanent seal.
Instructions for repairing cracked HDPE pipe:
- Make sure that the HDPE pipe is clean and free of dirt, grease and oil
- Drill a small hole at each end of the crack. With the drilled holes, the crack will not expand.
- Rough the HDPE pipe with a medium grit sandpaper.
- Clean the surface with any cleaner that will not leave a residue.
- Wipe the surface until clean with a soft cloth.
- Saturate the surface with the Poly Prep. Let dry
- Spray the Activator/Accelerator on the prepped area. Let dry.
- Warm the prepped surface with a heat gun or hair dryer. Warm to 120 degrees F by temperature, to just below hot by touch.
- Apply the SI Black to the precut Tech-Patch
– Apply using concentric circles starting at the edges and working toward the center>
– Do not apply the SI Black to diagonal corners.
– Apply extra SI Black where the damaged area will be covered. - Grab the diagonal corners, apply tension and press onto the pipe for eight to ten seconds.
- Use the fingers to press down the edges.
- Apply pressure to the Tech-Patch from the center out the glue squeegee.
- Apply a bead of SI Black to the two diagonal corners and to the entire perimeter of the Tech-Patch.
- Spray the seam with the Activator/Accelerator.
- Visually inspect the Tech-Patch.
- Apply SI Black and then spray the Activator/Accelerator to any problem areas.
Tech-Patches like HDPE are leakproof, flexible, impervious or highly resistant to oil, gas, all hydrocarbons, water, weather, salt, dirt, grease and most common chemicals. The Process bonds the Tech-Patch to the HDPE substrate and, since Tech-Patches are a polymer, the patch repair will last as long as the pipe.
Repairing HDPE gas tanks and HDPE storage tanks
Many tanks, especially gas tanks, are made out of HDPE. Steel used to be king in the world of gas tanks, but thanks to legislation requiring part life to be at least 10 years, HDPE is now the material of choice. Chrysler, GM and Jeep started out as the biggest utilizers of the HDPE or high-density polyethylene gas tank. Ford followed suit with their own six layer HDPE gas tank, designed to meet California’s fuel standards. Now everyone from Chevy to Toyota to Nissan utilizes HDPE. We are transitioning from the era of heavy metals and big engine gas guzzlers, to hybrid sports cars and even trucks, meant to drive over 700 miles on one tank of gas. But any material, no matter how much improved, is still prone to damage.
HDPE may be at the forefront in the world of car parts, but in terms of repair, we are still decades behind. Our new patented Tech-Patch Repair System however, bridges that gap and makes it easy to repair holes or cracks in HDPE gas tanks and HDPE storage tanks. There are two major challenges faced when attempting to repair HDPE parts. The first, is longevity. As HDPE can last as long as 50 to 100 years, any repair to be effective, needs to be able to withstand that magnitude of longevity as well.
The second HDPE repair challenge, is the material itself. High density polyethylene is slick, hard and has extremely high abrasion resistance. These factors easily prevent most repair systems that claim to repair ‘plastic’ gas tanks, from effectively doing so. Unfortunately there have been so many counterfeit claims in terms of these types of repairs, that we offer an unconditional money-back lifetime guarantee on all of our Tech-Patch products. Our TPRS system permanently bonds the Tech-Patch to the HDPE pipe substrate, provides a full zero-leak seal and is completely impervious to gasoline.
HDPE TANK REPAIR STEPS:
Surface preparation with HDPE tanks is critical.
If the problem is a crack drill a small hole at each end of the crack.
Aggressively rough the HDPE surface with medium grit sandpaper.
Clean the surface with any cleaner that will not leave a residue.
Wipe the surface with a soft cloth.
Saturate the prepped area with the Poly Prep. Let the Poly Prep dry. Once a poly is primed with Tech-Bond’s Poly Prep, that poly is primed forever.
Spray the prepped area with the Activator/Accelerator (AA). Let the AA dry. Once sprayed with AA, you have an hour of work time.
Warm the prepped surface with a heat gun or hair dryer. Warm until the surface is just below hot, approximately 120 degrees F.
Liberally apply SI Black to the matte side of the Tech-Patch except for diagonal corners. Make sure edges of the crack of hole will be covered with the SI adhesive
Grab the adhesive free diagonal corners, apply tension and press onto the problem area of the tank. Grab will be quick.
Press the edges of the Tech-Patch down with our fingers.
CRITICAL. Use the glue squeegee to apply pressure on the Tech-Patch from the center out.
Glue down the corners with the SI Black.
Apply a bead of SI Black to the perimeter to the perimeter of the patch. Spray with AA.
Visually inspect.
*If you have any questions, feel free to call 877-565-7225.
Submit your review | |
I needed to fix a polyethylene barrel. Nothing I tried would even stick to it. I tried caulk, superglue, silicon, epoxy, water weld. Nothing except this tech bond worked. Do yourself a favor and try this first.