Neoprene contact glue

      Description of neoprene contact adhesive

Neoprene adhesives belong to the range of flexible adhesives that enable the assembly of materials for semi-structural bonding.

They are often referred to as “universal adhesive” or “contact adhesive” because the initial adhesion is rapid once the carrier evaporates.

Neoprene adhesives exhibit good aging performance, and new formulations for solvent-based adhesives are now free from toluene, which has been replaced by acetate, a much less toxic alternative.

Neoprene adhesives are highly versatile regarding the types of materials that can be bonded.

Two components:

• The adhesive, based on polychloroprene, which is a synthetic rubber.

• The carrier, which can either be a solvent or water.

Two types of neoprene adhesives:

1. Water-based neoprene adhesive: 55% max synthetic rubber and 45% min water. This type is applied using a sprayer and is referred to as “dispersion” or sprayable.

2. Solvent-based neoprene adhesive: 25% max synthetic rubber and 75% solvent. It can be applied with a brush, etc.

The application and polymerization of neoprene adhesive occur at room temperature. The adhesive achieves its performance only after the carrier evaporates:

• When the carrier is a solvent, bonding is advised when the adhesive no longer transfers to the finger upon touch.

• When the carrier is water, bonding is advised when the adhesive has lost its milky appearance.

Usage of contact adhesive:

Neoprene adhesive can be applied to both small and large surfaces using double coating, meaning both surfaces to be bonded are coated with adhesive.

Once the carrier evaporates, the pieces are assembled with slight pressure, and the contact and adhesion are immediate. It is therefore advisable to properly align the pieces before final assembly, as no adjustments will be possible after bonding, hence the name “contact adhesive.”

Application of neoprene adhesives can be done with a brush, spatula, roller, or spray gun. It should be applied in well-ventilated areas, away from any heat sources.

Compatible materials:

• Metals

• Plastics: It is essential to verify and consider the solvent resistance of the plastics.

• Elastomers / Rubbers

• Leather, fabric, and felt

• Wood and cork

• Cardboard

• Glass

• Ceramics

      Tips for choosing neoprene or contact adhesive

• If dull spots appear, this indicates a lack of adhesive, and a new layer of adhesive should be applied.

• For porous surfaces, it is necessary to apply two coats of adhesive.

• For temperature resistance up to 150°C, consider the 3M 1300L TF reference.

      Examples of neoprene adhesive applications:

• Bonding laminated panels, decorative panels, sandwich panels.
• Bonding fabric to wood.
• Bonding rubbers to rubbers.
• Bonding rubbers to metal, wood, or plastics.
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