ARALDITE® 2015 A/B

• Toughened paste
• Ideal for bonding GRP, SMC and dissimilar substrates
• Low shrinkage
• Gap filling, non sagging up to 0.394 in (10 mm) thickness
• High shear and peel strength

Pretreatment

The strength and durability of a bonded joint are dependent on proper treatment of the surfaces to be bonded. At the very least, joint surfaces should be cleaned with a good degreasing agent such as acetone, iso-propanol (for plastics) or other proprietary degreasing agents in order to remove all traces of oil, grease and dirt. Low grade alcohol, gasoline, or paint thinners should never be used. The strongest and most durable joints are obtained by either mechanically abrading or chemically etching (“pickling”) the degreased surfaces. Abrading should be followed by a second degreasing treatment.

Araldite 2015 structural adhesive is available in cartridges incorporating mixers and can be applied as ready to use adhesive with the aid of the tool recommended by Huntsman Advanced Materials.

Application of adhesive
The resin/hardener mix may be applied manually or robotically to the pretreated and dry joint surfaces. Huntsman's technical support group can assist the user in the selection of a suitable application method as well as suggest a variety of reputable companies that manufacture and service adhesive dispensing equipment. A layer of adhesive 0.002 to 0.004 in (0.05 to 0.10 mm) thick will normally impart the greatest lap shear strength to the joint. Huntsman stresses that proper adhesive joint design is also critical for a durable bond. The joint components should be assembled and secured in a fixed position as soon as the adhesive has been applied.

Equipment maintenance
All tools should be cleaned with hot water and soap before adhesives residues have had time to cure. The removal of cured residues is a difficult and time-consuming operation. If solvents such as acetone are used for cleaning, operatives should take the appropriate precautions and, in addition, avoid skin and eye contact.

Times to minimum shear strength

Unless otherwise stated, the figures given below were all determined by testing standard specimens made by lap-jointing 4.5 x 1 x 0.063 in (114 x 25 x 1.6 mm) strips of aluminum alloy. The joint area was 0.5 x 1 in (12.5 x 25 mm) in each case. The figures were determined with typical production batches using standard testing methods.

Average lap shear strengths of typical metal-to-metal joints (ISO 4587)
Cured for 16 hours at 104°F(40°C) and tested at 73°F (23°C); Pretreatment - Sand blasting

Average lap shear strengths of typical plastic-to-plastic joints (ISO 4587)
Cured for 16 hours at 104°F (40°C) and tested at 73°F (23°C). Pretreatment - Lightly abrade and alcohol degrease.

Tensile strength at 73°F (23°C) (ISO 527)             -           4,351 psi (30 Mpa)
Tensile modulus                                                     -           290,075 psi (2 GPa)
Elongation at break                                                -           4.4 %

Lap shear strength versus temperature (ISO 4587) (typical average values)
Cure: (a) = 7 days / 73°F (23°C); (b) = 24 hours / 73°F (23°C) + 30 minutes / 176°F (80°C)

Roller peel test (ISO 4578)         -     23 psi (4 N/mm)
Cured: 16 hours / 104°F (40°C)

Glass transition temperature    -     153°F (67°C) by DSC
Cure: 16 hours at 104°F (40°C)   -     189°F (87°C) by shear
Cure: 1 hour at 176°F (80°C)       -      modulus DIN 53445

Dielectric constant (500v at 77°F (25°C)   -    5.6 at 1 kHz

Lap shear strength versus immersion in various media (typical average values)
Unless otherwise stated, L.S.S. was determined after immersion for 90 days at 73°F (23°C)
Cure: 16 hour at 104°F (40°C)

Lap shear strength versus tropical weathering
(40/92, DIN 50015; typical average values)
Cure: 16 hours / 104°F (40°C) Test: at 73°F (23°C)

Lap shear strength versus heat aging
Cure: 16 hours / 104°F (40°C)

25 cycles -22°F to 158°F (-30°C to + 70°C)

Shear modulus (DIN 53445)
Cure: 1 hour at 176°F (80°C)

Flexural Properties (ISO 178) Cure 16 hours/ 104°F (40°C) tested at 73°F (23ºC)
Flexural Strength     -    6,193 psi (42.7 Mpa)
Flexural Modulus     -     263,040 psi (1813.6 Mpa)

Resistance to fatigue (40 Hz at 73oF (23°C) (quoted as cycles to failure)

(Static failing load 2321 psi (16 MPa)

Araldite 2015/A and Araldite 2015/B structural adhesive should be stored in a dry place, in the sealed original container, at temperatures between +2°C and +40°C (+36°F and 104°F). Under these storage conditions the shelf life is 3 years. The product should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If stored below 60°F, the adhesive should be brought to 60°F - 77°F and conditioned at this temperature for some time prior to use.