Kid's Van De Graaff Belt - Gum Rubber - Gluing ends? 1

[DP95008]

Hello,

My 6th grader son and I are building a Van De Graaff Electrostatic Generator (Fantastic educational, dad/son project - so far he has gotten a ton of hands-on with the Mill, Lathe, CAD/CAM, CNC, bearings, a bit of physics, electrical and MUCH more!

For the belt we have chosen natural gum rubber for its triboelectric properties; we have ordered strips from McMaster 2" X 36" X .062, and need only to butt the ends together with an adhesive in order to create a belt. I have built a fixture to precisely butt the ends together, but I do not know what kind of adhesive to use.

Any advice or opinions you may have on the best type adhesive and technique to use, and/or tips on making reliable butt joints would be greatly appreciated!

Peace,

Dan
Campbell, CA

 

[Metten]

For vulcanised rubber you could use chemosil 6025 (Lord company). A solution of an unvulcanised NR rubber with fe toluene and then chemosil 6025 can be used as a glue. you will need to heat this to create the bonds.

There will be low temperature solutions too, but I am not that familiar with those to propose something.

 

[tom1953]

Adhesives by Rema Tip Top (

http://rematiptop.com),

specifically SC2000, have been used by my company for room temperature bonding of rubber with good results.
Good luck!
tom

 

[GrahamBennett]

If possible don't use a 90deg butt joint if you see what I mean. Spread the load on the joint by making it at an angle of about 45deg.

 

[DP95008]

Thanks guys, good stuff! I'll check out those adhesives and try to make an angled cut.

All the best,

Dan