Few operating environments place the same demands on bonded materials as the marine industry.
Water, salt, temperature changes and humidity can all affect adhesive performance. This is particularly significant in applications such as inflatable craft and lifesaving equipment, where the bond forms part of a product expected to perform in demanding conditions.
Adhesive selection therefore needs to consider the materials being bonded, the manufacturing process being followed and the conditions the end product will encounter in use.
What makes marine bonding different?
Inflatable marine equipment often combines the need for a dependable bond on flexible substrates.
Products such as life rafts, RIBS, wet and dry suits and diving equipment will be exposed to salt water for extended periods, making the adhesive system an important part of their construction.
For these applications, S2193 Hypalon Adhesive provides a two-part polychloroprene bonding system developed for natural and synthetic rubber surfaces. Used in the manufacture of inflatable life rafts and RIBS it provides resistance to salt water and atmospheric oxidation.
When the application is already underwater
Not all marine bonding takes place under dry manufacturing conditions.
Maintenance and repair work may require adhesion to wet or submerged surfaces, creating a different set of application requirements.
Designed for these conditions in mind, SAS328 is a two-part epoxy that can be used in wet, damp and underwater applications.. It can provide structural adhesion to substrates including water-immersed concrete, stone masonry, brick, wood and steel.
Which adhesive is the right fit?
There is no single adhesive system for every marine application. The appropriate choice depends on factors including the substrates involved, whether bonding or sealing is required, the conditions during application and the environment the finished product will encounter.
Considering these requirements at the outset helps identify a product suited to the application rather than selecting an adhesive on one performance characteristic alone.
Explore our range of adhesives and sealants for the marine industry. If you’re unsure which product is best suited to your application, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
