What is the Benefit of Molecular Bonding?
Molecular Bonding means that a covalent bond between the is formed, regardless of the substrate(s) involved. What does that mean? In chemistry terms, that means there is a sharing of electrons. The illustration below provides a schematic for a molecular bond.
What are the primary advantages of a molecular bond over a glue join?
1) Molecular bonds are more durable. With glue joins the adhesive is exposed to the elements. That exposure will, sooner or later, cause the adhesive to dry out. When the adhesive dries, adhesion is lost.
2) Bonds take on the characteristics of the material. This characteristic is most important with material that is naturally flexible. Examples include vinyl and leather. With a bond, those materials will remain flexible. The ability to flex that some materials possess is not the same as natural flexibility.
3) Added strength. Bonds are stronger than glue joins. Does not work simply by being “sticky”.
To summarize bonds are stronger and they are more durable than glue joins. The flexibility inherent in bonds is critical to the success of our Tech-Patches.
Molecular Bonding of Polymers
Our patented Polymer Bonding Process bonds a poly to itself, to other polys and/or to other substrates.
Will not bond glass, stainless and/or alloy steels.
Our Tech-Patches will permanently seal holes and cracks in almost all pipe and tank substrates.
If you have any questions, please call 877 565 7225.
Because of its performance advantages, Molecular Bonding is being used by many industries; aerospace, automotive, health care, taxidermy, funeral home, etc., as a more efficient methodology for bonding/repairing. Another primary advantage, besides strength, durability and flexibility. is that molecular bonding is quicker, easier and, often, a more efficient solution for your issues(s).
Our most informative video
We developed the Process in 2016 and started researching. We are still researching. At this point our Teflon® offers the most complete video we have on the Process. The video below should answer all your questions on the Process and on how to bond Teflon®, though there is still the critical fact at the bottom of the page. If you do have questions on bonding Teflon®, please contact us.
The Poly Kit
Bonding UHMWs [Teflon(R) and Delrin(R)], nylons, silicones and the Polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene and polyurethane)
With Polyolefin plastics, UHMW type materials (Teflon®, Delrin®), nylons and silicones use the Poly Prep to achieve lasting bonds. When substantial strength is needed, rough the surface with steel wool or fine grit sandpaper, then spray or brush the Poly Prep on all area(s) of the surface to be joined. Let the Poly Prep dry and wait 5 to 15 minutes (as indicated below) for plastic to cure.
- Polyolefins – 5 minutes
- UHMWs – 10 minutes
- Nylons – 10 minutes
- Silicones – 15 minutes
When both surfaces have cured, apply a Bonding Agent to one surface and gently spread the Bonding Agent so that both surfaces become coated. Pressing the surfaces together will cause a slight bleed-out at the bond line. After pressing, spray this bleed-out with A/A if necessary. (Please test the A/A on the surface first to make sure that the surface finish will not be damaged.)
Let these bonds set for 24 hours before applying stress.
*May also need the Poly Prep to generate bonds with certain oily woods (ebony, etc), oily rubbers and/or ABS.
Bonding Hints and Tips
These hints and tips are copyrighted because they have been developed from experience, they work well and they often contradict conventional wisdom.
Metal to Metal Repairs
For metals that oxidize, such as, aluminum, brass, copper, etc. you will need to use steel wool or sandpaper to rough the surface down to bare, shiny metal. In all cases, the “cleaner” the metal, the better the bond. Apply the bonding agent so that both surfaces are completely covered and either press firmly to remove the air between the two surfaces, or spray the Activator/Accelerator to set the bond.
Glass
Glass does not have any pores. Therefore there is nothing for Tech-Bond’s technology to “grab” onto. Tech-Bond™ will work as well as most CAs, but will not do glass permanently.
To Prevent Degradation From Weather in High Stress Areas
When Tech-Bond™ bonded areas will be exposed to a significant amount of weather, use sufficient Tech-Bond™ Bonding Agent to create a shiny area all the way around the bond line.
Extra Strength
Any time additional strength is needed, rough the surfaces and then, after the join is made, apply the bonding agent along the seam of the join, spray with Tech-Bond’s Activator/Accelerator and let the bond cure for 24 hours.
Additional strength can also be achieved by using Tech-Bond’s Filler, a silica sand compound, to coat the join, building surface area, thereby increasing bond strength. If you want to go beyond that level of strength and create optimum strength, you can wrap cotton cloth, cord or tape around the join and apply Tech-Bond™ Bonding Agent over the cotton (spray A/A).
Bonding Difficult Butt Joints
Frequently there are car parts that need to be repaired where there is not sufficient surface area to attain the needed strength. When that situation occurs, utilization of Tech-Bond™ Filler will create operational strength in those repairs, even with repairs involving the poly-plastics, i.e., the plastics fenders, shrouds, etc.
The Poly Prep must be used as a Primer on the poly-plastics and the surface of the plastic must be roughed with sand paper or steel wool before bonding.