ARALDITE® 2020-1 Adhesive

• Low viscosity, colourless transparent adhesive
• Especially suitable for glass and ceramic bonding
• Suitable for clear castings and laminates
• Refractive index similar to glass
• Excellent water resistance
• Transparent and colourless when cured

• Encapsulation of electronic switches
• Clear casting for sensors and optoelectronics
• Bonding transparent glass and plastic elements

The data shown below is provided solely as technical information and do not constitute a product specification. Unless otherwise stated, the figures given below were determined by testing standard specimens made by lap-joint- ing 100 x 25 x 1.6 mm strips of sandblasted aluminium alloy. The bond area was 12.5 x 25 mm, with bonded speci- mens cured under light clamping pressure. Lap shear testing was carried out at 23°C at 10mm/min unless indicated otherwise.

Average lap shear strengths of typical metal-to-metal joints (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Cured 16 hours at 40°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease (galvanised steel: degrease only).

Average lap shear strengths of typical joints – other materials (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Cured 16 hours at 40°C. Pretreatment: light abrasion + degrease.

* Lap-bonded glass specimens tested in compression model

Lap shear strength versus temperature (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Aluminium 5754, cure: 16 hours at 40°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease.

Tensile Properties (ISO 527) Cure 16 hours at 40°C, tested at 23°C (typical average values)

Flexural Properties (ISO 178) Cure 16 hours at 40°C, tested at 23°C (typical average values)

DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis ISO 6721) Cure 16 hours at 40°C (typical average values)

Lap shear strength versus immersion in various media (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Aluminium 5754, cured 16 hours at 40C and tested at 23°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease
Immersion for 90 days at 23°C

Lap shear strength versus tropical weathering (DIN 50015; typical average values)
Aluminium 5754, cured 16 hours at 40°C and tested at 23°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease
Tropical weathering: 40°C, 92% relative humidity

Lap shear strength versus heat ageing at 70°C (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Aluminium 5754, cured 16 hours at 40°C and tested at 23°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease

Lap shear strength versus thermal cycling (ISO 4587; typical average values)
Aluminium 5754, cured 16 hours at 40°C and tested at 23°C. Pretreatment: sandblast + degrease
100 cycles of 6-hour duration from -30°C to 70°C

• Pretreatment: The strength and durability of a bonded joint are dependent on proper pretreatment of the surfaces to be bonded. At the very least, joint surfaces should be cleaned with a good degreasing agent such as methoxy propanol, acetone or other proprietary degreasing agents to remove all traces of oil, grease and dirt. Low grade alcohol, gasoline (petrol) 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.
• Application of adhesive: The resin/hardener mix may be applied manually or using automated application to pretreated surfaces ready for bonding. Huntsman's technical support group can advise further on surface pre-treatments as well as suitable application methods and dispensing equipment. An adhesive bond thickness of 0.1 to 0.30 mm will typically impart the greatest lap shear strength to a joint. Proper adhesive joint design and surface preparation is critical to produce a durable bond. The bonded components should be assembled and held in a fixed position as soon as the adhesive has been applied, at least until the handling strength is reached (han- dling strength considered as 1MPa lap shear strength – see table below).

Typical times to minimum shear strength

LSS = Lap shear strength.

Note – There is a risk of exotherm when casting the product in bulk or in thick sections (>1cm). This should be assessed before proceeding.

• Equipment maintenance: Tools should be cleaned using a suitable solvent, such as methoxy propanol or acetone, before adhesive residues have had time to cure. Removal of cured residues with solvents is not possible, and mechanical abrasion must be used. If solvents are used for cleaning, operatives should take the appropriate precautions and, in addition, avoid skin and eye contact.

Our products are generally quite harmless to handle provided that certain precautions normally taken when handling chemicals are observed. The uncured materials must not, for instance, be allowed to come into contact with foodstuffs or food utensils, and measures should be taken to prevent the uncured materials from coming in contact with the skin, since people with particularly sensitive skin may be affected. The wearing of impervious rubber or plastic gloves will normally be necessary; likewise the use of eye protection. The skin should be thoroughly cleansed at the end of each working period by washing with soap and warm water. The use of solvents is to be avoided. Disposable paper - not cloth towels - should be used to dry the skin. Adequate ventilation of the working area is recommended.

ARALDITE® 2020-1 (XW 396-1 Resin / XW 397-1 Hardener) should be stored at room temperature in the original sealed containers, kept in a dry place protected from extremes of temperature and strong sunlight. The expiry date is indicated on the labels.