Glues for Phenolic Plastic

What Is Phenolic?

Phenolic is a tough and dense material created when layers of material like paper and fabric impregnated with phenolic resin are heated and pressed together. A durable and rigid plastic, phenolic has a high resistance to heat, stress, and some solvents that can damage other types of plastics. It is generally lightweight but can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear.

Bonding Phenolic

Gluing phenolic is relatively easy. Some more difficult bonding plastics have a low surface energy that can interfere with the adhesive's bonding capabilities, but this is not the case for phenolic plastic. Because of this ease, there are several different adhesives for phenolic available.

That being said, the process for bonding phenolic will depend on the specific application. You need to ensure you choose a glue for phenolic whose properties are compatible with the bonding environment. This adhesive also needs to be applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations for surface preparation and application. (See surface preparation for phenolic plastic.)

Types of Glue for Phenolic

Because it is relatively easy to bond, there are a few different types of adhesives for phenolic plastic.

• Epoxy Adhesives- For applications requiring high-performance bonding and great strength, epoxy adhesives are often the best choice.

• MMA Adhesives- MMAs still have good strength but tend to have shorter cure times and require less surface preparation than epoxies.

• Cyanoacrylate Adhesives- Cyanoacrylates are another potential option to glue phenolic. They have instant bonding but may lack the durability of other adhesives like epoxies.

• UV Curable Adhesives- These adhesives are fast curing and solvent-free but tend not to be as strong as epoxies and may fail in high-stress environments.

While these adhesives can be effective bonding solutions for phenolic plastic, every product varies. You will want to ensure that the product specifications align with your application needs. Always test the product first. You can also speak with one of our adhesive experts for a free product recommendation.

Surface Preparation for Gluing Phenolic

While gluing phenolic plastic is relatively easy, the exact process will depend on the specific application and the product. Below we outline some basic surface preparation steps for phenolic plastic, but always follow the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations.

1. Clean the substrates. For optimum bonding, the substrate should be cleaned with a mild solvent, so it is free of grease, dust, oil, and other contaminants.

2. Abrade the surface. Using something like an emery cloth, gently scuff up the substrate. This process removes the oxide layer and allows the adhesive to wet out the surface more easily.

3. Clean the substrate again. To keep loose particles from interfering with the adhesive's ability to adhere to the substrate surface, the substrate should be cleaned with a solvent again after abrasion.

4. Apply a primer if needed. In some cases, like with some cyanoacrylates, you will also need to apply a primer.

Once the surface is properly prepped, the adhesive can be applied. Be mindful of the cure time to get the best results and do a product test.

Not Sure What You Need?

The best glue for phenolic to phenolic or phenolic to another material is highly dependent on the application. If you are unsure of the best product for your needs, we want to help. Get a free, personalized product recommendation from one of our adhesive experts.