EPDM to EPDM Bonding

[maslowbrn]

I need to make a mould structure for a artifical stone manufacturing process using a sheet of EPDM and bond another piece of EPDM on the edge of the sheet so that it forms a tray like structure. This tray will need to withstand cyclic heating and cooling 5 deg to 120 deg.

Advise me on the strongest possible method to bond EPDM to EPDM

Thanks

 

[unclesyd]

I would give Reltek a call. They a very good selection of adhesives for rubbers. They have always been very helpful.

http://www.reltekllc.com/rubber-adhesives.htm

 

[btrueblood]

You might talk to a hydraulics supplier, somebody who has equipment to make hot-vulcanized spliced o-rings. Ask them what they use for hot spliced epdm orings.

EPDM does bond nicely using cyanoacrylate adhesive, but the joint is brittle and won't take much peel/shear before failing. If the area of the joint is supported (like an o-ring in a groove) it can work.

 

[unclesyd]

If there is some worry about using a vendors recommendation you could get an EPDM splicing kit from Grainger.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/EPDM-Splicing-Kit-1RHA5

 

[EarlDexter]

Epdm rubber roofing has splice adhesives and tapes. Both require a primer first. The temperature requiremens should not be an issue. I would be more concerned with the stability characteristics of EPDM. It has quite abit of movement. Contact a national low slope roofing supplier like ABC Supply Co., Inc. They are based out of Beloit, WI. 1-2800-786-1210.

 

[maslowbrn]

I have been told that I need to treat the surface before applying the epxoy. Plasma etching can anyone explain this and where can i get a machine to do it.

 

[loughnane]

I don't know about needing to treat the surface. I went through a months-long process trying to get the perfect bond between EPDM and stainless. There were surprises at every turn, including getting poorer results from the bond when prepped.

That being said, aside from testing, I found 3M to be a great resource. Even the rubber guys I was working with worked with 3M to get the right bond.

A shot in the dark... what about just CA? Depending on how long the heat cycling is you might be able to get away with it.

Chris Loughnane - Product Design

http://www.pdnotebook.com

http://www.twitter.com/_chrisloughnane