Currently, polyethylene film is actively used in everyday life, in some cases it is simply irreplaceable. Polyethylene is an unpretentious material, and it is also affordable. But all the people who use it sooner or later ask themselves the question: how can polyethylene be glued together? Simple glue cannot cope with this task; you will need a special glue for polyethylene with good adhesive characteristics.
Let's glue the polyethylene (click to enlarge)
Polyethylene is very popular material, which is endowed with many beneficial properties. It is used as insulation, electrical insulator, packaging and greenhouse material, reliable protection from moisture. Polyethylene is capable of absorbing neutrons, which are the most dangerous type of radiation. Due to this substance is chemically resistant material, a reasonable question arises - how to glue polyethylene?
Bonding polyethylene surfaces is a process that has not only a chemical basis, but also an electrical one. This means that the glue must stick well to plastic film, and when hardening, firmly adhere the parts to each other. Modern industrial production found ways to firmly glue polyethylene.
Properties of polyethylene (click to enlarge)
Here is an example of the most popular options:
- welding of polyethylene parts with a hot object;
- usage various types glue.
Hot iron for gluing polyethylene
Before gluing the polyethylene, using a hot iron, place the edges of the plastic film on the surface of the wooden batten and align them. Fold the newspaper in two layers and iron the parts to be glued through it. The lath is necessary to create an even joint.
When using an iron, a reasonable question may arise: to what temperature should it be heated? It’s difficult to advise anything here, because it directly depends on the thickness plastic film you are using. Therefore, adjust the temperature during the gluing process of the material. If the polyethylene parts become less durable and the seam is almost invisible, then the temperature must be reduced. If the parts are poorly connected to each other and no changes occur to them, then the temperature is too low and should be increased.
From the video you will learn a lot of new things:
To prevent burning of the polyethylene, the iron and the parts to be glued should not touch for more than one second.
To check the strength of the connection, pull the glued parts in opposite directions. If the seam comes apart, the process will have to be repeated again.
Bonding polyethylene with glue BF - 2 and BF - 4
To reliably glue the polyethylene film, you can use BF - 2 or BF - 4 glue. However, their use is possible only after the surface preparation stage. This work can be done even by people who do not have experience or practical skills.
- before gluing the plastic film, clean and then degrease its surface;
- Apply a layer of glue to the treated surface. It hardens very quickly, so apply the parts to each other immediately;
- leave the glued parts on for several hours until the glue has completely set;
Glue BF-2 (click to enlarge)
This procedure is suitable for working with different types glue.
Remember that glue is a rather toxic substance that causes an allergic reaction. Therefore, prepare protective gloves for working with it in advance.
For greater convenience, apply glue with a glue gun, for charging which you use ready-made cartridges. This is especially true when gluing polyethylene in large volumes. For example, if you need to do work such as gluing film for a greenhouse.
Two-component acrylate adhesive for gluing polyethylene
An excellent option for gluing polyethylene is Easy – MixPE–PP adhesive, manufactured by Weicon. It is designed specifically for materials with low adhesion properties. Usually, most of liquids do not adhere well to polyethylene film. However, this adhesive contains tiny glass beads, which allows the adhesive to remain in place, leaving a gap. the right size. This ensures strong bonding of the bonded surfaces. It is one of the best adhesives for polyethylene, making it ideal for firmly bonding polyethylene greenhouse film.
MixPE–PP glue is perfect for polyethylene (click to enlarge)
The glue is a paste-like substance that is well dosed, easily mixed and applied to the surfaces to be glued.
Easy – MixPE–PP is good because it can be used immediately after opening. The adhesive contains a special primer that changes the structure of the surfaces intended for gluing. This makes it possible to ensure strong adhesion of materials at home, while preparatory work are not required for their processing.
Epoxy adhesive for polyethylene surfaces
Another means that can be used to glue polyethylene film is epoxy glue. It is worth noting that it is not designed specifically for polyethylene, but it does contain a phenol-formaldehyde resin that has excellent adhesion to polyethylene surfaces.
When using epoxy glue, the following sequence of work must be followed:
- treat each of the bonded surfaces with emery cloth, degrease them and dry them;
- Next, both surfaces will need to be treated with an oxidizing agent. To do this, you can use chromic anhydride (15 - 25% solution) or potassium dichromate (20 - 30% solution). Be extremely careful as these substances are carcinogens and pose a danger. An equally effective, but safer oxidizing agent is a strong solution of potassium permanganate. After treating the surfaces, you need to let them dry again;
- prepare epoxy glue as stated in the instructions;
- apply thin layer glue onto the surfaces to be glued and join them;
- leave for several hours, observing temperature regime ranging from +30º to + 45˚Celsius. For stronger bonding, the holding time can be extended to a day.
By watching the video you will learn even more:
Conclusion
One of the most important disadvantages of polyethylene glue is high degree its toxicity, so it must be used with extreme caution. You can always choose exactly the type of glue for polyethylene that is most suitable for you. If you doubt your level of competence, it would be advisable to seek help from professionals. They will not only recommend this or that type of glue, but will also provide qualified practical assistance.
At home, vapor and waterproofing can be done with ordinary foamed polypropylene (polyethylene). Although polypropylene insulation is primitive, it has high efficiency, allowing you to save on the purchase of more expensive analogues.
But you can’t get by with polyethylene alone, since its use requires polyethylene glue. In rarer cases, other adhesive-based mixtures are also suitable. They are needed for fixing polyethylene (the so-called polyethylene gluing) on the surface of thermal insulation or any other building structure.
And among the many different adhesive-based mixtures, it is necessary to choose the most optimal and effective one.
In order to glue polyethylene to thermal insulation, experts recommend using a specialized adhesive-based mixture “Easy-Mix PE-PP”.
1 Product information
An adhesive-based mixture with the name “Easy-Mix PE-PP” from the WEICON company is a two-component material for fixing polyethylene without necessary designs, made on the basis of methyl acrylate and adhesive base.
The chemical structure of this adhesive-based mixture has extremely high adhesion rates for so-called “low-energy plastics and plastics.”
This foam adhesive can be used not only for polyethylene, but also for materials such as:
- Rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride);
- PMMA (recommended together with it).
IN modern world foamed polyethylene, due to its technical features, since ductility, elasticity, ultimate strength and chemical resistance, it is used everywhere in the industrial field and in everyday life.
However, to interact with polyethylene, traditional preliminary preparations its surface.
- For example, such as: Mechanical processing by grinding or;
- sandblasting
- Chemical treatment (most often fluoridation); Physical treatment (applied heat treatment
fire).
However, the “Easy-Mix PE-PP” foam material completely eliminates the need for such work. With it, gluing polyethylene is possible without preliminary preparations.
The “primer” device found in this glue activates the surfaces, thereby completely changing their structure, after which the polyethylene is glued very effectively, and the strength of the connection is simply amazing. The device "Easy-Mix PE-PP" can be used for both household(as a rule, this is thermal insulation), and for use on conveyors and various assembly plants.
2 Features and benefits
The “Easy-Mix PE-PP” gluing device has a number of quite significant properties that have a positive effect on its effectiveness:
- No need to produce pre-treatment required connecting surfaces;
- This gluing machine is capable of long time located in an open area without the threat of evaporation or losing its properties;
- Gluing polyethylene with the “Easy-Mix PE-PP” mixture quickly “sets” even if it is used;
- Immense final power;
- Bonding polyethylene with so-called “residual elasticity”;
- Resistance to conditional “aging”;
- Gluing polyethylene with this glue has a controlled time period of fixation;
- Pasty soft consistency.
Among the advantages of the “Easy-Mix PE-PP” adhesive mixture it is worth noting the following:
- Immediately upon opening the package it is ready for use as;
- The process of dosing, mixing and even applying can be done in one operation;
- Possible errors during the dosing and mixing process are completely eliminated;
- Quick and easy application - can be used in production;
- The efficiency of the glue is a special dispensing device that minimizes the consumption of the adhesive mixture.
2.1 Selecting adhesive material for polyethylene (video)
Polyethylene films are used for under-roof hydro and vapor barrier. During the installation process, it is often necessary to connect the pieces into one panel, but adhesive tape does not always help. It is impossible to fix the connection in an ordinary way silicate glue or PVA. How to glue plastic film at home to get a reliable joint that does not allow moisture and steam to pass through? There are several effective and simple ways, which do not require complex equipment.
Problems when gluing polyethylene are a fairly common situation. It's all about the characteristics of the material. Once you understand them, you can easily avoid difficulties.
Heat sinteres two layers
What you need to remember from chemistry and physics
Polyethylene is the most common polymer in the world. Its extraordinary popularity is explained by the excellent properties of the material - impact resistance, ductility, low gas and water permeability. Films are used for roofing mesh reinforced or fabric, which increases the strength of the material.
Despite the advantages, polyethylene films are very rarely glued together in industry. To understand why connecting parts is problematic, just remember your school chemistry lessons. The molecule of this polymer is a long chain of similar -CH2- units. The charges inside such a molecule are distributed evenly, it is non-polar. And the higher the polarity, the more suitable the polymer is for gluing.
This device is suitable for small parts
Connection methods without glue and solvent
The method of gluing with one’s own solution, which is common for many polymers, is also not suitable - in organic solvents polyethylene is practically insoluble. The answer to the question: how to glue polyethylene film is actually very simple: it is best to use welding.
Of the many methods for welding polyethylene film, two are worth highlighting:
- Welding with a heated object.
- Open flame welding.
Both methods are equally effective, however, in non-industrial conditions it is still easier and safer to use the first. However, everyone can choose the most suitable option for themselves, taking into account the availability necessary tools and your own skills. In any case, these methods make it possible to firmly connect parts together, creating reliable building elements, agricultural and protective structures.
When laying film on the roof, you can do without soldering
Preparatory stages for work
Folk wisdom says: “Measure seven times, cut once.” And before starting to work with polyethylene, you need to not only carefully take measurements, but also think through every detail. First of all, answer the questions:
- What loads will it be subjected to? finished design?
- What is its expected lifespan?
- Do you need 100% hydro resistance?
Maybe after such questions the need to glue together many parts will disappear. For example, to insulate transported goods or preserve equipment, some parts of the polyethylene film can be fixed metal staples or twine. And to protect the building structure from moisture, it is recommended to overlap the polymer, covering individual parts.
But when the question arises about how to glue reinforced film for a greenhouse, you should not neglect reliability. After all, such a design, as a rule, should serve for a long time, perfectly protecting plants from all kinds of weather surprises. Connection using staples and strong ropes will not work in this case, and welding (any of its proposed types) will ideal option.
Hot Welding Instructions
This method can be called the simplest, most effective and safe at the same time, especially when it comes to welding at home. An ordinary iron can be found in every home, and seams created using heated objects are usually the smoothest and neatest.
Universal roller for gluing polyethylene
Most convenient tool For this method, a roller with a built-in electric heating device can serve. This tool is ideal in cases where a large amount of work needs to be done - for example, in large agro-industrial enterprises. As a rule, such devices have to be made independently. And for them to work well, you must at least have a qualification as an electrician.
However, when it comes to how to glue plastic film for a greenhouse at home, the roller method is not very suitable. After all, not everyone has the time, patience and necessary skills to create such a device, especially when the need for welding rarely arises. Then you should resort to the help of improvised means. And in everyday life there are appliances that can be heated to desired temperature– approximately 250°C – quite a lot.
How to work with an electric iron and analogues
To glue polyethylene using an iron, you just need to lay the edges of the material on a wooden strip, and then iron the parts through a newspaper or fluoroplastic film folded in half. By the way, these same safety elements will not be superfluous when gluing with other hot objects. Depending on the area of the surface to be joined, you can use a narrow edge, spout or flat iron. A wooden slats will help create an even and neat connection.
To what temperature should the iron be heated? Unfortunately, there are no clear recommendations on this issue, and 250°C is rather a relative indicator. The melting point depends primarily on the brand of polyethylene. Therefore, you need to be very careful while working. If the material does not connect and does not change at all, it means that the iron needs to be heated more strongly. If the seam is barely noticeable, and the film near it has lost its strength, the temperature is already too high.
There is always a risk of burning through the film. To avoid this, you need to reduce the contact between the iron and the parts being glued to one second. To prevent polyethylene from sticking to the iron, instead of newspaper, you can cover the surface of the polymer with thin cellophane before work. To check how effective polyethylene soldering is, you need to pull the connected parts in different directions. If the seam comes apart, the process will have to start again.
Soldering iron with a special nozzle
If the iron method is not suitable for some reason, you can use other tools. For example, a hot knife and a soldering iron tip will make it possible to create smooth and thin seam lines. Some craftsmen manage to connect polyethylene parts with a hot needle. However, you can use other available means. Auxiliary tools are the same as for joining with an iron - wooden frame, newspaper or cellophane.
Homemade soldering iron for gluing polyethylene
Open flame welding of film
You will need:
- one of the possible devices with an open fire: gas-burner, alcohol lamp, blowtorch, match, torch;
- bars made of ceramic or metal.
First, the edges of the film are fixed with bars so that a narrow strip of polyethylene several millimeters thick is visible at the welding site. The bars should be made of metal or ceramics, but in no case from wood - after all, their function is not only to keep the polyethylene immobile, but also to remove some of the heat so that the parts being connected do not burn out.
After this, with the tool selected for welding, you need to draw a conditional line along the edge of the polyethylene parts. As a result, a dense connecting bead should form at the point where the films come into contact with the open fire. In order for the welding process to be successful, it is advisable to first, experimentally, select optimal speed tool movements. It depends on the device used and on the brand of polyethylene.
It is better to use the device on the roof
Is it possible to glue the film with glue?
Some craftsmen tried to use BF-4 or BF-2 to glue plastic film at home. After treating the parts with a 25% solution of chromic anhydride, they applied glue to the surface, but subsequently the seams on the plastic film still had to be treated with an iron heated to 50-60 °C. As a result, this method differed little from joining with hot objects, even if the temperature was much lower.
Using super glue: a cutting-edge approach
The surface roughness contributes to the successful joining of parts with glue. But the properties of the polymer about which we're talking about, are opposite - it is characterized by ideal smoothness. And yet, how to glue plastic film for a greenhouse using only one of the ordinary factory adhesives? Until recently it was thought that this was impossible.
However, recently varieties of superglues specifically designed for working with polyethylene film have appeared on the market. Among the advantages of such products:
- no odor;
- water resistance;
- elasticity;
- strength of connections.
When dry, they can be diluted with acetone. However, they must be used with caution, avoid contact with skin and household surfaces, because the composition contains strong solvents.
Also worthy of attention are products based on ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, which were developed by chemist Harry Coover during military experiments in the United States back in the middle of the last century. These types of glue are available today thanks to mass production, create fairly strong connections and are also suitable for working with rubber and metal.
Is the choice of adhesive for joining parts justified?
Is it worth using glue for polyethylene at home, including for roofing works? One of the main problems when used in everyday life can be its toxicity. In addition, not all products on the market are of sufficient quality. And it is simply impossible to check the effectiveness of glue upon purchase. At the same time, when using one of the types of welding, there is a greater chance of getting excellent result.
Using glue for polyethylene
As you can see, there are many ways to glue plastic film at home, and everyone can choose the most suitable one for themselves. In addition, there is always the opportunity to turn to professionals who will not only give useful advice, but can also provide practical assistance.
Polyethylene has long been popular in household material, unpretentious and inexpensive. Many people are faced with the need to glue polyethylene, for example, when arranging a greenhouse. It is worth noting that this material difficult to bond, but, nevertheless, this can be done using special adhesives.
So, to the question, what kind of glue will firmly glue polyethylene, experts answer - these are BF-2 and BF-4 adhesives, as well as ice acetic acid, xylene and trichlorethylene. You can purchase these compounds in specialized stores.
What glue to use to glue polyethylene
What glue to use for gluing polyethylene - composition
The easiest way is to purchase structural adhesive in the store, which contains methyl acrylate. Its properties ensure rapid softening of polyethylene and its further gluing. The glue also contains inorganic and organic acids and xylene, chromic anhydride and various additives.
The advantage of using a mixture is that it does not require additional processing material. However, polyethylene glue is quite toxic, so it is recommended to carry out work outdoors. The glue acquires its best properties at a temperature of +35C; it is not afraid of moisture, but is flammable. It is better to buy it in specialized stores so as not to run into a fake.
If there is a need to combine polyethylene with polyethylene, it is more convenient and easier to resort to heat treatment.
This technique allows you to obtain a strong, unbreakable seam. Among the disadvantages of the method, it is worth noting the deformation of the edges of the product.
Mixtures for combining polymers are available for sale, with a consistency similar to a thick paste. An activator is included in the kit. After adding it to polyethylene glue, it acquires the required consistency and can be used for the near future.
Gluing polyethylene - step-by-step instructions
To glue polyethylene, you do not need special knowledge and skills. Even beginners can cope with the task at home.
The operating procedure is as follows:
- Clean the surface and degrease it. Some manufacturers claim that this step is not mandatory, but experts still recommend spending a few minutes and under no circumstances skipping it.
- Apply glue to the treated material. It will only take a few minutes for it to harden, so the parts need to be attached to each other without delay.
- Leave the glued polyethylene elements for several hours until the glue completely sets.
In general, this algorithm is similar to working with any glue. However, you should take care to use protective gloves, since the glue can cause allergic reactions and is quite toxic.
It is more convenient to apply the adhesive using glue gun, which can be charged with ready-made cartridges. The mixture of them is distributed evenly, so it is easy to achieve the desired dosage. If you are planning a large amount of work, this device is worth investing in.
VIDEO ON THE TOPIC
How to glue foamed polyethylene
Foamed polyethylene has a porous structure, therefore it provides high-quality warmth, steam and waterproofing.
Thanks not high price, ease of operation and installation, it is actively used in construction. The most popular brands are Izolon, Vilaterm, Energoflex, Polyfom, Temaflex.
If the need arises glue foam insulation, experts recommend two-component adhesives based on methyl acrylate. Such compositions are characterized by high adhesion and are suitable for working with polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and polypropylene. An example is the well-known adhesive composition “Easy-Mix PE-PP” from WEICON.
Typically, in order to achieve high results in gluing polyethylene foam, the following procedures are additionally required:
- surface treatment by sandblasting or grinding,
- physical treatment, for example, thermal fire,
- chemical treatment (usually the fluoridation method is used).
But when using “Easy-Mix PE-PP” you can do without additional preparation and treatment of surfaces due to the “primer” included in the composition, which changes the structure of the materials being glued, after which they easily adhere.
The use of “Easy-Mix PE-PP” adhesive for working with polyethylene foam both on an industrial scale and at home allows you to reliably and quickly fasten materials, while it is ready for use immediately after opening the package, it is easy to dose and mix, and apply.
The glue has a soft paste-like consistency, is not afraid of conditional “aging” and retains its properties for a long time even in open areas.
Modern insulation materials such as penofol need high-quality fastening. Penofol is polyethylene in a foamed state, covered with foil on top. Regardless of the type finishing material: roll or sheet, a special adhesive composition is used as fastening. It allows you to save technical properties material at a high level.
Using special glue
When choosing an adhesive composition for penofol, you should take into account the type of surface to which it will be attached. The foil coating does not allow drafts or heat to pass through. To save heat energy in the building, penofol is attached with inside for insulation. The air space should be 1 cm. Penofol should be fixed with an air gap.
Foam plastic 5-10 cm wide is used as insulation. The sheets must be glued tightly to a special adhesive composition suitable for the foam. Plastic umbrellas provide additional support. A mesh is attached to the top.
Advantages
Using glue for fastening penofol has the following advantages:
- fast;
- economically;
- no need to have special skills;
- no special tools required;
- penofol holds well due to its lightness;
- not susceptible to moisture;
- Natural based glue is highly effective.
Requirements for glue
The substance for gluing insulation to concrete must have the following features:
- have high level water resistance and connection to the base;
- do not have a destructive effect on the base material;
- don't react to environment and weather;
- be resistant to temperature changes;
- have antibacterial qualities;
- maintain its qualities for a long time.
So that the material can be glued well, one of the components of the adhesive is solvents. When choosing a means for attaching insulation, you need to rely on the type of surface. A specific adhesive composition is suitable for each material. So, if you need to glue a sauna with penofol, choose a heat-resistant adhesive for the sauna. Each adhesive composition that is used when performing interior work, must have a certificate confirming its safety.
Surface preparation before gluing
Before gluing, the concrete should be coated with a primer. It is necessary to prepare the surface correctly for gluing so that the connection is uniform and monolithic. Initially, irregularities and defects are eliminated, cracks are covered, chips are leveled. To improve the adhesion of concrete and foil insulation, the base is primed. The concrete must be smooth, cleaned, and protruding metal parts must be treated with an anti-corrosion agent.
How to glue correctly?
If the insulation is self-adhesive, it is easy to glue. Using penofol. the usual adhesive composition is applied to the side without foil in an even layer, thinly, evenly over the entire surface. The edges need to be impregnated with glue more thoroughly so that during operation the insulation does not begin to lag.
The insulation is kept for 10 - 50 seconds so that the adhesive composition has time to set. This way it connects better to the surface. Then the penofol is pressed against the concrete, smoothed, evenly distributed until completely fixed. The seams need to be additionally glued.
Examples of manufacturers
Choice adhesive composition, allowing you to connect the insulation with concrete surface. big enough.