What are the advantages and disadvantages of Epoxy, Polyurethane, and Silicone Adhesives?
Epoxy, polyurethane, and silicone adhesives are the three most popular chemistries packaged at Appli-Tec. The choice of which chemistry to use is based on the application requirements. The following examines the advantages and/or disadvantages each type exhibits.
Epoxies
Epoxies are known for their high strength bonds to a variety of substrates, as well as chemical and moisture resistance and high modulus. Epoxy adhesives are generally hard and brittle, but can be modified to exhibit flexibility and toughness.
They are also easily modified for thermal and/or electrical conductivity, reduced shrinkage, light stability, lower thermal expansion, and a range of glass transition temperatures (Tg). They can be formulated to be both one-part heat cure systems and two-part room temperature cure systems.
Polyurethanes
Polyurethanes are usually softer than epoxies with lower Tg, modulus, and strength, but with higher elongation. They can be environmentally resistant with tough, flexible bonds. They exhibit lower exotherm on cure than epoxy, resulting in reduced shrinkage.
Good for low operating temperatures, they tend to suffer property degradation above 125°C. Like epoxies, they also can be modified for thermal and electrical conductivity and lower thermal expansion. A range of properties can be achieved as well as flexible cure times.
One-part polyurethanes are heat or moisture cured. Two-part polyurethanes are available in room temperature, heat, and moisture cure options.
Silicones
Silicones are resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. They typically have lower Tg and modulus than epoxies and lower adhesion strength than both epoxy and polyurethane adhesives, often requiring primers.
Due to their excellent safety profile, silicone adhesives and sealants are often used in medical applications. Both two-part and one-part systems are available with a range of cure mechanisms.
The chart below illustrates some of the advantages and disadvantages of the three adhesive chemistries most often made and packaged by Appli-Tec.
Epoxy
Pros:
- Excellent bond strength
- Excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates
- Can be formulated to have a wide range of properties
- Good chemical and moisture resistance
Cons:
- Can be brittle without modification
- Thermal stability limited to ~ 185-200°C
- Ingredients can be hazardous to handle
Polyurethane
Pros:
- Lower modulus than epoxies
- Good adhesion
- Tough
- Moisture barrier
- Good low temperature performance
Cons:
- Lower bond strength than epoxies
- Lower operating temperature range (max 125C)
- Moisture sensitive ingredients prior to curing
- Ingredients can be hazardous to handle
- Cure conditions and moisture exposure can affect end properties.
RTV Silicone
Pros:
- Operating temperature -65C to 315C
- Low reaction exotherm
- Low toxicity
- Low cure shrinkage
- Good electrical properties
- Excellent chemical and environmental resistance
Cons:
- Lower adhesive strength than epoxy and polyurethanes-often requires a primer step
- Easily contaminated, causing cure issues
- If poorly formulated, can outgas, causing contamination of adjacent components
Regardless of the chemistry your application requires, Appli-Tec can utilize our precision mix and freeze process to turn your two-part adhesive kits into one-part syringes for ease of use.
Contact us to find out more about our capabilities and how we can help you.
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