What glue to choose for polyethylene and how to use it correctly?

During the construction of greenhouses, waterproofing and other construction works, the craftsman may need reliable glue for polyethylene, which will create a durable and airtight seam. Designs and operating conditions are different, and each case has its own connection requirements. Pipes and fittings are made from polymer. Usually, when installing sanitary products, you can not glue the parts together, but use special connecting parts. When installing waterproofing and many other works, it is necessary to firmly and tightly fasten the materials to each other.

Technical specifications and adhesive requirements

Builders liked polyethylene for its unique properties: the polymer does not leak moisture at all and can be used for waterproofing, is resistant to chemical influences, aggressive moisture will not violate its structure. Sometimes this material is used for electrical insulation and even for protection against certain types of radioactive radiation.

Polyethylene is good for everyone, only one drawback is not liked by the craftsmen - it is very difficult to glue the film to another surface. To understand how to choose the bonding composition, you need to figure out what happens to the materials in the gluing process. Sometimes substances that destroy the structure of the material are used for this work. The surface becomes sticky and adheres firmly to another structure. Roughly the same thing happens when welding 2 pieces of polymer, sealing packages. But sometimes it is necessary that the material does not collapse, remains in its original form. In this case, the adhesive molecules due to the potential difference should be firmly attached to the molecules of the film and material of a different design.

Depending on the application of the polymer, the connection requirements may be different. Strength and durability are necessary in any work. Environmental characteristics are not of great importance for street structures, but are important in the decoration of the internal surfaces of premises. If a shower or bath is waterproofed, it is necessary that the composition is not destroyed and does not emit harmful substances under the influence of hot steam. The connection in places exposed to sudden changes in temperature should be flexible enough so that the thermal expansion of the materials does not break the tightness.

Which method is better?

Polyethylene molecules do not have great electrical potential, so it is very difficult to find a substance that adheres well to the polymer. For the connection, not only chemical compositions are used, depending on the type and purpose of the structures, other methods can also be used.

Wizards have found several ways to create a solid connection.

• Welding is used when gluing 2 polymer structures, especially for foamed polyethylene.
• Double-sided tape will help fasten the plastic film together or attach it to structures made of some other materials, but such a connection does not withstand heavy loads.
• Special glue.

In stores you can see a lot of finished materials, the packaging of which says that they are suitable for gluing polyethylene. Please note that methyl acrylate must be included. This component softens the polymer, which is especially important when working with a film of large thickness. Xylene and chromic anhydride may also be included. It is convenient to work with such glue, it is ready for use and does not require additional surface treatment.The only negative is that the vapors are very toxic, you need to work with good ventilation or in a respirator.

There are preparations in the form of a thick paste, which must first be mixed with the solvent included in the kit. It is more difficult to use such glue, the working solution dries very quickly. If you have no experience, prepare glue in small portions. Epoxy resin has similar qualities, which can be used to stick foamed and ordinary polyethylene.

Reliable manufacturers and brands

To make the connection reliable and durable, you need to use a good adhesive. Firms that value their reputation, do everything possible to make it convenient for the master to work with their products. If you do not know what to prefer, pay attention to the appearance of the goods. A self-respecting manufacturer will never pack the material in a box tearing at the first touch, and will not stick an inconspicuous quickly fading label on the container with blurry text and an incomprehensible pattern. Look at the instructions. It should be detailed, written in plain language.

There is a special Weicon Easy-Mix PE-PP adhesive for bonding polyethylene. It contains microscopic glass balls that give additional strength to the seam. The composition hardens very quickly, you must have time to do all the work in 3 minutes. If you did not find such a brand, you can use standard glue for plastic, but first try it on a small area. To make the surface firmly bonded to the adhesive, treat it with chrome anhydride. It is recommended to work at room temperature, the seam will gain full strength after 6 hours.

If you have not picked up anything suitable in the store, you can glue the polyethylene with epoxy. With this option, the surfaces need careful preparation. Rub the film with a fine sandpaper so that the surface loses smoothness. Degrease, coat with an oxidizing agent and dry the place of gluing. Spread both surfaces, firmly press them against each other and leave to harden for a day.

Tip

It is recommended to use potassium dichromate as an oxidizing agent. If this substance is not found, treat the surface with a bright red solution of potassium permanganate.

Glue application

Each brand of glue requires its own approach; all the intricacies of the work are described in the instructions for use. A good manufacturer will describe in detail how to prepare the surfaces, apply the composition and make a good seam.

Before you buy glue for polyethylene, carefully read the manual. There should be the following information:

• how to prepare a gluing place;
• whether it is necessary to withstand some time after applying the composition;
• holding time - how long the seam should be in a tightly pressed state;
• drying time - after how many hours the product will gain the necessary strength and will be ready for use.

If the store does not have the right product, the builder raises the question: how to glue the polyethylene? Masters adapted to use other compounds. Sometimes surfaces need to be roughened or treated with chemicals. Crushed chalk or cement is added to the acrylate adhesive to increase bond strength.

Manufacturer's recommendations are different. Sometimes surfaces need to be specially prepared. Some formulations after application need to withstand a few minutes, then combine. When using other grades, the materials must be firmly pressed immediately after applying the composition. Read the instructions, everything is written there.

So, polymer film is an excellent material for building greenhouses or insulating work. The polymer has one drawback: it is very difficult to choose a composition for gluing it. If you got to work, think: do you really need glue for polyethylene? Sometimes it is more convenient to use welding or double-sided tape. If you want to deal with such a difficult matter as gluing polyethylene, first practice in small areas that do not require special strength and tightness.It is impossible to learn to do anything exclusively from books and articles, take up work, do not be afraid to experiment. It will take a little time, you will get acquainted with the new material, learn its features, and very soon share your secrets of processing capricious polymer with us.