July 9, 2024
We have all experienced fatigue at some point or another. That feeling of just not being able to keep going and wanting nothing more than to sit on the couch, put up our feet, and not move. While bonds are not alive like us, they too can undergo fatigue of some sorts. Those adhesives that are exposed to a lot of movement need to be able to resist fatigue, or it could mean big trouble.
What Is Fatigue Resistance?
Fatigue resistance in adhesives is a measure of the bond's ability to last when exposed to a life of wear and dynamic movement. Naturally over time, fatigue can occur to adhesives and substrates. It can weaken the strength of a bond and could eventually lead to bond failure.
Because of fatigue, it is important to select an adhesive with a high fatigue resistance in applications where it is necessary. But not every adhesive is designed for such applications, and some adhesives have higher fatigue resistance than others.
Fatigue Resistance of MMA Adhesives
Structural adhesives create strong, permanent bonds and are often used in assembly applications such as the automotive, aerospace, transportation, and marine industries. These applications can often be exposed to high speeds and frequent vibrations that can lead to fatigue.
In particular, methyl methacrylate adhesives or MMAs are a type of structural adhesive often used in these applications because of their high strength. As a result, many are designed to have a high fatigue resistance.
Why Is Fatigue Resistance in MMAs Important?
Fatigue resistance in MMA adhesives is important because these products are often used in structural bonds exposed to constant vibrations and movement. Examples include a boat jetting across the water, a trailer rattling along a highway, or a railcar zooming by on the tracks. This frequent moment and justling can start to wear down on the adhesives and cause the sheer strength of the bond to deteriorate. Without the right fatigue resistance, the bonds could prematurely fail.
In worst case scenario and extreme terms, this could mean a boat sinking, a trailer breaking off, or a train coming off the tracks. In more likely scenarios, it just means a higher-quality product built to last. Either way, it is nice to have a methyl methacrylate adhesive fatigue resistance that is higher, so you do not need to worry.
MMA Adhesives with High Fatigue Resistance
An MMA adhesive’s fatigue resistance will vary from product to product, but we have some recommendations. Check out our list of high fatigue resistance for methyl methacrylate adhesives.
MMA 420
Infinity Bond MMA 420 is a not only a fatigue resistant MMA but also has good chemical resistance, heat resistance, and cold resistance. It is flexible and has a fast set speed. Together, its properties make it a good general-purpose automotive, product assembly, construction, or marine adhesive.
MMA 830
A good alternative to Plexus® MA 830 is the MMA 830. The properties are almost identical (including the fatigue resistance), but the Infinity Bond MMA 830 tends to be the more affordable option. It offers resistance to various chemicals while providing a high-strength and flexible bond. Its high impact and fatigue resistance makes it suitable for a variety of taxing applications.
MMA 422
Another MMA with fatigue resistance that is suitable for high vibration applications is Infinity Bond MMA 422. It can be used to bond more challenging substrates including metals, stainless steel, plastics, fiberglass, nylons, composites, and more. Because it is a slow setting product, it is good for large surface area or applications that require time to set. It is often used in the automotive, construction, and marine industries.
While fatigue resistance of MMA adhesives is an important factor to evaluate, there are several others you should take into consideration before deciding on a final product. To ensure you make the right decision for your application, our team is here to help. Just contact us to speak with someone about your specific needs.
