Gluing Polyethylene

It's hard to find glues to use on Polyethylene. Here's a list starter for things that work and those that don't.

Glues that work:

-- Scotch Weld DP 8010 by 3 M
-- Scotch Weld DP 8010 NS (same epoxy but with fillers)

Outstanding bonding. These glues are not the easiest to find, and not cheap. Price for small container is about $20; available through some R.S. Hughes, Graingers, Fastenal, and perhaps other industrial suppliers.

Tip: you can save the added expense of an applicator and dispenser if you're willing to push it out of the unequal cylinders and mix it. Five minute working time.


Glues that don't stick: (so far)

-- JB Weld
-- Super Glue epoxies (all -- verified w/ manufacturer)
-- Gorilla Glue (according to manufacturer -- didn't try it personally)
-- PVC glue, even w/ primer

Anybody got something to add to the list?

Now this is an excellent thread for DIY.
Lets us not forget however that nothing beats heat welding or nuts and bolts.

Joe

So, I have this white 5 gallon bucket in my garage that has "HDPE" stamped on it. Turns out my simple bucket is made of high density polyethylene!

I used a soldering iron and some thin strips from the bucket to patch a couple small holes in my kayak. Worked like a charm.

Hey Ya Going
I used a Devcon product called PLASTIC WELD when I made my sailing rudder and winglet. www.devcon.com
It gets tough like fiberglass when it cures and seems to really make a great bond on Plastics.
I also threw in some high strength adhesive web spray from Aervoe to seal the deal and some pop rivets to lock it up on the leading edge then clamped the rest and let it dry. Works great now
...........kepnutz

Try West systems G/Flex

Bonds well to a variety of materials G/flex is ideal for bonding a variety of materials, including dissimilar ones. G/flex has a superior grip so that it can be used to bond to metals, plastics, glass, masonry, and fiberglass. G/flex is ideal for repairs to aluminum boats and polyethylene and ABS canoes and kayaks. It can also be used to wet out and bond fiberglass tapes and fabrics.

http://www.gougeonbrothers.com/G-flex/description.html

I've ordered a test kit,but they seem to be a bit behind their June availability date.

_________________

Our rep just brought by the info on the West G/Flex. Reading the MSDS, it appears that it should work with the polyethylene. But I must confess that my chemistry is rusty.

Have you chatted with anyone at West yet?

Brian C