LORD Corporation has launched two new in-mold bonding (IMB) systems for bonding platinum-cured silicones to multiple substrates, including plastics, without the need for special surface preparation.
LORD IMB 3000 and IMB 3010 adhesive solutions effectively bond platinum-cured liquid silicone rubber (LSR) to various substrates directly in an injection- or compression-molding process.
Applying LORD IMB Adhesives to a rigid substrate provides a structural bond when over-molded with thermoplastic or liquid silicone rubber. This technology enables assemblies between plastics, silicones, and metals to be made during the molding process.
“These two new adhesive systems, LORD IMB 3000 and 3010 do not require special surface preparation such as plasma or corona,” says Paul Wheeler, LORD Corporation Staff Scientist. “This eliminates the need for complicated surface pre-treatments, precise environments and difficult-to-control kinetics. There are no moisture or atmosphere application limitations as with typical silane primers, and the LSR adhesives offer an environmentally friendly option.”
Silanes must be applied as a very thin coating, sometimes less than 1 micron, which is difficult to control and measure in a manufacturing setting or production environment. Most plastics require plasma treatment to create hydroxyl groups to promote silane bonding.
“The limitations with silane adhesive technology have created a market need for silicone adhesives that are easier to use and more effective on various substrates,” said Eric Dean, Manager, Global Business Development and Marketing Strategy at LORD Corporation. “More expensive self-bonding liquid silicone rubber often requires a similarly complicated process of pre-treatments and post-cure procedures also leaving manufacturers looking for a simple solution.”
Silicone polymers exhibit a myriad of unique properties that other materials are not able to achieve, combining rubbery flexibility with excellent thermal stability, durability, low-surface energy, biocompatibility, and a soft feel.
Applications for IMB Adhesives include consumer electronics, automotive components and medical devices. Compatible substrates for IMB adhesives include aluminum, anodized aluminum, glass, steel/stainless steel, polycarbonate, select polyamides, and select thermoplastic elastomers.
