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Published on: February 27, 2017
Simple and Rapid Adhesion of Commodity Polymer Substrates under Ambient Conditions Using Complexed Alkylboranes
Olivia R Wilson1, Dominick J Borrelli1, Andrew J D Magenau1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.
A new adhesive platform rapidly bonds diverse polymers at room temperature using a simple process. This innovation offers cost savings and faster production for industries like automotive and aerospace.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Adhesion Science
Background:
- Adhesives are crucial in manufacturing, but bonding many polymers requires complex, time-consuming methods.
- There is a need for rapid-cure adhesives that work under ambient conditions with simple procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel adhesive platform for bonding a wide range of commodity polymers.
- To achieve rapid curing, minimal surface preparation, and robust adhesion at room temperature.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a trialkylborane-ligand complex and isocyanate decomplexing agent to initiate (hydrogen) atom transfer and free-radical polymerization.
- Formulated an air-stable, bulk adhesive based on poly(isobornyl acrylate).
- Investigated process-property relationships, lap-shear performance, and failure mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Successfully bonded seven diverse polymer substrates including PTFE, polyethylene, and PVC in approximately 30 minutes.
- The adhesive operates at room temperature with minimal surface preparation.
- Incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) enhanced the glass-transition temperature to ~120 °C.
Conclusions:
- The alkylborane-initiated adhesion platform provides a rapid and versatile solution for polymer bonding.
- This technology has potential applications in automotive, aerospace, and marine sectors for efficient manufacturing and structural adhesion.
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