Carbon Fiber Glues

Composites are great because they can be engineered to have certain desirable properties. Consequently, composites are growing in popularity, and the demand for composite adhesives is growing. At Gluegun.com, we carry a wide selection of glues for carbon fiber and other composite materials as well as the knowledge to help you with your specific bonding needs.

What is CFRP?

CFRP stands for carbon fiber reinforced polymer. It is sometimes referred to as carbon fiber reinforced plastic or just carbon fiber and is a composite material that is comprised of carbon fibers and a polymer resin. It is known as a high-strength, strong, and stiff material that is also lightweight. It also has a high resistance to corrosion and chemicals. It is easily molded into various shapes and commonly used in retrofitting to add stability.

Along with its great structural strength and high strength-to-weight ratio, CFRP is great for applications exposed to high impact or high stress. Consequently, carbon fiber reinforced polymer is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.

Bonding CFRP

Because a big benefit to CFRP is that it is strong but still lightweight, it is usually bonded with adhesives as opposed to mechanical fasteners, as mechanical fasteners can add weight to the design and negate this benefit. On top of this, the material cannot be traditionally welded, so adhesives are the primary means of bonding CFRP.

Fortunately, carbon fiber reinforced polymer is generally not too difficult to bond, and there are several different carbon fiber adhesives on the market. For successful bonding, it is important to apply proper surface preparation and follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for application.

These products are commonly used adhesives for carbon fiber, but they may not be the best product for your specific application. Always test an adhesive with your application before deploying it on a wider scale. You can also ask our experts for a personalized adhesive recommendation.

Types of Carbon Fiber Glues

There are several types of adhesives for carbon fiber, but the best glue for your application will depend on your unique needs.

MMA Adhesives- Methacrylates are structural adhesives that are ideal when the application requires a good balance of strength and flexibility.

Epoxy Adhesives- Generally considered one of the strongest adhesives, epoxies are great for high-performance bonding applications.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesives- In some cases, cyanoacrylates may be a good adhesive for carbon fiber because of their fast-bonding capabilities.

Of course, every product is unique, so always check the technical datasheet or speak with an expert about your bonding needs.

How to Glue Carbon Fiber

Gluing carbon fiber reinforced polymer is generally not too difficult, but surface preparation is important to reach the optimum bond strength.

To start, the substrates should be cleaned and degreased with something like isopropanol. Next, abrading the surface of the substrates is generally recommended. This step may be done using an emery cloth, a scouring pad, or grit-blasting. The substrate should be cleaned and degreased again after abrasion to remove any loose particles remaining on the surface. Finally, the substrate should be left to dry completely before the CFRP adhesive is applied.

One benefit to MMAs is that they generally need less surface preparation than other structural adhesives like epoxy. While it may be okay to bond the substrate as is with an MMA, for best results, it is usually recommended to at least clean the surface for a consistent bonding surface. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results and consider the cure time, fixture time, and work life of the adhesive you are using.

Get a Personalized Recommendation

When choosing an adhesive for carbon fiber, it is imperative to review your specific application. There are several factors to consider, and you want to ensure that you pick a carbon fiber glue that matches all the properties you are looking for.

If you have a unique application need or are not sure which product is right for you, we want to help. Contact us to speak with an adhesive expert. They may be able to point you in the right direction.