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Polycarbonate

plastic

The best adhesive for Polycarbonate is typically High-Strength Epoxy, with good bond strength. As a plastic material, Polycarbonate has unique bonding characteristics that require specific adhesive selection. Common applications include eyewear,electronics,glazing.

Bonding Polycarbonate requires understanding its unique surface properties and chemical characteristics. As a plastic material, Polycarbonate presents specific challenges that can be overcome with the right adhesive selection and proper surface preparation techniques. This comprehensive guide provides expert recommendations, bond strength data, and step-by-step instructions to achieve strong, durable bonds with Polycarbonate.

Material Properties & Characteristics

Polycarbonate exhibits medium surface energy, which allows for good adhesion when proper surface preparation is performed. Polycarbonate presents bonding considerations that depend on surface preparation and adhesive selection. As a rigid material, Polycarbonate benefits from rigid adhesives that provide maximum structural strength and dimensional stability. The medium chemical resistance of Polycarbonate requires adhesives compatible with its chemical composition and environmental exposure conditions. Understanding these fundamental properties is essential for selecting the appropriate adhesive and surface preparation method.

Surface Preparation Best Practices

Achieving strong, durable bonds with Polycarbonate depends heavily on proper surface preparation. Begin by cleaning all bonding surfaces with appropriate cleaners to remove dirt, oils, and surface contaminants. Ensure surfaces are at room temperature (15-25°C or 60-80°F) for optimal bonding conditions. Temperature extremes can affect adhesive flow, wetting, and cure times. Apply adhesive within minutes of surface preparation to prevent recontamination from dust, moisture, or oils. Proper surface preparation significantly improves bond strength, durability, and long-term performance.

Surface Preparation Guide

Proper surface preparation is critical for achieving strong, durable bonds with Polycarbonate. Follow these steps:

  1. Clean with soap and water or degreaser to remove dirt and oils
  2. Dry thoroughly before applying adhesive
  3. Ensure surfaces are at room temperature (60-80°F) for optimal bonding
  4. Apply adhesive within minutes of surface preparation for best results

Basic Information

Category
plastic
Surface Energy
medium
Flexibility
rigid
Porosity
unknown
Chemical Resistance
medium

Chemical Information

CAS Number
25037-45-0
Trade Names
Lexan,Makrolon
Aliases
pc
Composition
  • polycarbonate (100%)

Common Uses

eyewear,electronics,glazing

Published lap shear on Polycarbonate

Acrylic adhesive3–25.1 MPa

not stated · 9 sources

Ethyl cyanoacrylate2–20 MPa

not stated · 37 sources

Methyl cyanoacrylate5–20 MPa

not stated · 3 sources

Polyurethane adhesive3.3–13.6 MPa

not stated · 3 sources

Two-part epoxy3.9–13.4 MPa

not stated · 9 sources

Cyanoacrylate / acrylic hybrid12–12 MPa

not stated · 1 source

Acrylic adhesive0.9–9 MPa

abraded · 12 sources

Polyurethane adhesive2.07–8.34 MPa

abraded · 10 sources

Methoxyethyl cyanoacrylate1–7 MPa

not stated · 9 sources

Cyanoacrylate / epoxy hybrid6.9–6.9 MPa

not stated · 1 source

Two-part epoxy0.4–6.3 MPa

degreased · 10 sources

Two-part epoxy0.83–4.5 MPa

abraded · 7 sources

Silicone adhesive0.4–4 MPa

not stated · 7 sources

Acrylic adhesive3.2–3.7 MPa

degreased · 2 sources

Catalog ratings for Polycarbonate

High-Strength Epoxygood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Fiber-Reinforced Epoxygood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Flexible Epoxygood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Cyanoacrylate Super Gluegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Polyurethane Construction Adhesivegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Gorilla Glue (Polyurethane)good

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Polyurethane Wood Gluegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Epoxy Resin Adhesivegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Acrylic Adhesivegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.

Instant Gluegood

Catalog rating, not a measured value.