What is an Adhesion Promoter?

Adhesion promoters are used when bonding two surfaces that may not stick together easily, such as plastics, metals and composites. An adhesion promoter can improve the bond between these dissimilar surfaces by providing a chemical interaction between the adhesive material and the substrate. Adhesion promoters can be used in a wide range of applications, including bonding plastics to metal, metal to metal, and even in the application of coatings, paints and sealants.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to use an adhesion promoter, such as the type of materials being bonded, the environmental conditions and the intended application. For example, if the substrate is a low-surface-energy material such as polypropylene, an adhesion promoter may be necessary to achieve a strong bond. Similarly, if the application involves exposure to harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or humidity, an adhesion promoter may be needed to ensure the bond remains strong and durable.

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using an adhesion promoter, as the application method and drying time can vary depending on the product. In some cases, a primer may be required in addition to the adhesion promoter, to encourage the best possible bond. Ultimately, the decision to use an adhesion promoter will depend on the specific application and the properties of the materials being bonded.

Adhesion promoters are widely used in the aerospace industry to improve the bonding of various materials, such as composites, plastics and metals, which are used in the manufacture of aircraft parts and structures. Adhesion promoters are often used to enhance the bonding of coatings, sealants and adhesives to surfaces such as aluminum and titanium alloys—which can be challenging to bond to.

In aerospace applications, adhesion promoters are typically applied to the substrate surface before the adhesive is applied, to increase the strength and durability of the bond. This is particularly important in the aviation industry, where strong and long-lasting bonds are essential for safe and reliable aircraft operation. Adhesion promoters can also help to reduce the weight and complexity of the aircraft, as they can enable the use of thinner or lighter materials without compromising the strength of the bond.

Adhesion promoters are used to improve the bonding of plastics, composites and metals during the production of car parts and components. They are primarily utilized to improve the adhesion of coatings, paints, sealants and adhesives to surfaces that may be difficult to bond to, including low-surface-energy plastics.

The use of adhesion promoters is especially important in the automotive industry, as they can help to improve the durability and longevity of the bond, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicle. By enabling the use of thinner or lighter materials, adhesion promoters can also help to reduce the weight of the car, which can contribute to improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions.

In automotive applications, adhesion promoters are often applied to the substrate surface before the adhesive or coating is applied, to create a stronger and more long-lasting bond between the materials. This helps to ensure that the car components will remain securely bonded, even in challenging driving conditions.

Adhesion promoters are commonly used to bond various materials—such as metals, composites and plastics—which are used in the manufacturing of military equipment and vehicles. Certain metals and low-surface-energy plastics can be particularly hard to bond to, and adhesion promoters are used to improve the adhesion of certain coatings, paints, sealants and adhesives.

In defense industry manufacturing, adhesion promoters are usually applied to the substrate before the adhesive or coating is applied, to improve the durability and strength of the bond. This is especially important for applications where strong and reliable bonds are critical, such as in the construction of aircraft, tanks and other military vehicles.

Adhesion promoters can help to improve the structural integrity of military equipment, ensuring that it remains securely bonded even in harsh environmental conditions, and can also help to reduce the overall weight of the equipment, without sacrificing strength. By using adhesion promoters, the defense industry can create military equipment that is not only more durable and reliable, but also more efficient and cost-effective.

In the medical and pharmaceutical industry, adhesion promoters play a crucial role in improving the bonding of various materials, such as plastics, composites and metals, which are commonly used in medical devices and packaging materials. They are designed to enhance the adhesion of coatings, paints, sealants and adhesives to surfaces that are challenging to bond to, such as low-surface-energy plastics and metal alloys.

Adhesion promoters are particularly essential in medical and pharmaceutical applications where strong and durable bonds are critical for ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical products. They can help to create strong and long-lasting bonds that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature changes, moisture, and chemicals. By using adhesion promoters, manufacturers can ensure that the medical devices and packaging materials they produce are safe, reliable, and durable.

In medical and pharmaceutical applications, adhesion promoters are typically applied to the surface of the substrate before the adhesive or coating is applied. This helps to create a strong and long-lasting bond between the materials and ensures that the medical products are safe and effective.

The application of adhesion promoters is a crucial step in ensuring a strong and durable bond between materials. The following steps can be used as a general guideline for the proper application of an adhesion promoter:

1. Surface preparation: Before applying an adhesion promoter, the surface of the substrate should be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. The surface should be free from any dust, debris, oils, or other contaminants that may interfere with the adhesion promoter’s bonding process.
2. Application method: Adhesion promoters can be applied using a variety of methods, such as spray, brush, or roller. The application method may vary depending on the type of material and the surface area that needs to be covered.
3. Drying time: After the adhesion promoter is applied, it needs to be given adequate drying time before any adhesive or coating is applied on top. The drying time can vary depending on the type of adhesion promoter and the environmental conditions, but typically ranges from a few minutes to several hours.
4. Adhesive or coating application: Once the adhesion promoter is dry, the adhesive or coating can be applied on top to create a strong and long-lasting bond. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application and curing of the adhesive or coating.

It is essential to note that the proper use of an adhesion promoter can vary depending on the specific application and materials being used. Manufacturers should always consult with the adhesion promoter’s manufacturer to ensure the proper application of the product. Following these guidelines can help ensure a strong and durable bond between materials and improve the overall performance of the final product.

Adhesion promoters are an essential component of many manufacturing processes that require strong and durable bonding between different materials. Here are some of the benefits of using an adhesion promoter:

• Improved Bond Strength: Adhesion promoters improve the bond strength between two materials, which leads to a more reliable product. By creating a strong and long-lasting bond, adhesion promoters can help reduce the risk of product failure and increase product performance.
• Increased Durability: Adhesion promoters can also increase the durability of products by creating a bond that can withstand harsh environmental conditions, such as temperature changes, moisture, and chemicals. This can help to extend the lifespan of the product, resulting in cost savings over time.
• Enhanced Surface Compatibility: Adhesion promoters improve surface compatibility between materials that would otherwise not bond well together. This is particularly important when working with low surface energy materials, such as plastics and metals. Adhesion promoters can help ensure that the adhesive or coating sticks to the surface, leading to better product performance.
• Reduced Material Waste: By improving the bond strength and surface compatibility, adhesion promoters can help reduce material waste. When materials do not bond well together, the result is often scrapped parts and wasted materials. Adhesion promoters help to reduce this waste by improving the bonding process.
• Improved Product Performance: Overall, the use of an adhesion promoter can improve the performance of the final product. By creating a strong and durable bond, increasing durability, and reducing material waste, manufacturers can produce products that perform better and last longer. This can result in cost savings for the manufacturer and a better experience for the end-user.
  

Precise application of the adhesion promoter is essential for the adhesive to form a strong bond between surfaces. Applying too little of the adhesion promoter can result in a weak bond, leading to a shorter product lifespan or even structural failure. Conversely, over-application of the adhesion promoter can negatively impact the adhesive’s ability to bond the materials, increasing application cycle time and reducing productivity.

To achieve optimal results in adhesive applications, it’s critical to apply the adhesion promoter in a thin, accurate, and repeatable layer. At Designetics, we specialize in a wide range of fluid applicators and dispensing equipment to efficiently and accurately apply fluids to substrates, ensuring the correct thickness and accuracy for the application.

We have experience in working with various combinations of materials and adhesion promoters, whether it’s glass, metal, or plastic for most tape adhesives. Our expertise enables us to provide the right solution for our clients to achieve the best results in their adhesive applications.

If you’re considering moving to semi-automated or fully automated production, Designetics has you covered! Our automated and semi-automated fluid application systems offer optimal application and superior coverage of a wide range of fluids within a completely closed system. This ensures airtightness at every junction, from the bottle to the end-of-arm tooling and directly to the applicator. With a single piece of tubing serving the entire fluid flow, connections that could allow air to enter the system are eliminated.

The benefits of a closed system are significant. Your fluids, particularly adhesion promoters, last longer without the drying effects of air. The risk of quality problems due to drips or leaks is eliminated, and maintenance is significantly reduced since there’s no contact between the chemicals and mechanical equipment.

Additionally, this closed system significantly reduces exposure to harmful solvent-based fluids, which is beneficial for both employees and the environment. At Designetics, we offer a comprehensive solution for our clients looking to make the switch to semi-automated or fully automated production while ensuring optimal performance, quality, and safety. Get in touch with our sales team today to learn more.