A new concept of structural adhesive

​Structural adhesives have an important role in the composites sector by providing a high technological and structural value to advanced structures. This material develops itself in complete synergy with new technologies and concepts focused on composite materials.

vehicles made mostly in composites, like the BMW i8, could benefit from the "reversible" adhesive technology (image: BMW)

​Its capacity is demonstrated in many applications, from the bonding of vehicle’s structures such as bus roofs, to a complete bonding of two halves of a 70 meter length wind turbine blade.
This year, another huge step has been taken towards structural adhesives industry after the demonstration of a new product developed by The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and researchers at Michigan State University (MSU).
Known as “Reversible Adhesive” is a thermoplastic adhesive for multi-material joining that becomes stronger after use and repair/rebonding, which is a significant development for the repairability and end-of-life recyclability of CFRP-intensive (carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer) vehicles, for example.

Research demonstrates that the “reversible” adhesive actually gets stronger after repair. (image: American Chemistry Council)

The thermoplastic adhesive contains iron microspheres that vibrate with electric current and become very hot, 320 to 800°F (160 to 427°C) within seconds, melting the thermoplastic adhesive before the surrounding material heats up. It then can harden in seconds, essentially becoming fast-acting glue that bonds over and over on demand.


For more information please access: http://articles.sae.org/15560/