How to glue polypropylene?

Polypropylene products are in high demand on the market. Thermoplastic polymer is used to make containers for storing and transporting water, milk, juices, wine and other types of alcoholic beverages. Due to their chemical resistance, plastic containers are suitable for storing and transporting acids, alkalis and other components of production in the chemical industry. This is an ideal material for the manufacture of pipes and tanks for the arrangement of autonomous hot, cold water supply and sewerage systems.

High-quality products that can be ordered from the Kraft company confidently cope with shock, vibration and other mechanical loads. Maintains strength and integrity in conditions of temperature changes and under the influence of aggressive external factors. Low-quality plastic products can burst under load. In such a situation, the question arises of what to glue polypropylene with and how to repair a crack.

Polypropylene: features and factors of destruction

Polypropylene has earned a reputation as a practical and durable material that maintains high consumer properties throughout the entire period of operation. The service life reaches 50 years. Other advantages of the material:

• low weight – 5 times less than the same indicator for metal structures;
• increased strength – almost as strong as metal;
• resistance to weather conditions – high humidity, ultraviolet radiation, amplitude temperatures.

The operating temperature range is from 0 ° C to + 100 ° C, which significantly expands the scope of application. Due to the smooth surface, contaminants do not heat up and are easily removed, which allows you to strictly adhere to sanitary and hygiene standards. Polypropylene products are recyclable, which is associated with environmental protection.

Some factors reduce the strength of the material, which leads to the formation of cracks and other defects. Then there is a need to solve the problem of how to glue polypropylene. What destroys polypropylene:

• Exceeding the maximum temperature loads. So at temperatures below -20 ° C, the material becomes brittle. As a result, resistance to mechanical stress decreases. Accidental impact or vibration can cause cracks.
• Organic solvents. When in contact with organic solvents, polypropylene swells. The wear resistance of the material decreases.
• Nitric and chlorosulfonic acids. They corrode the material, which reduces its resistance to mechanical stress.

Polypropylene is susceptible to oxidation, which negatively affects its strength. When producing high-quality products, stabilizers are added to the composition to prevent oxidation. Unstabilized polypropylene ages and becomes brittle faster than other plastics. As a result, the likelihood of cracks increases.

How to glue polypropylene

Bonding polypropylene products is associated with difficulties due to the perfectly smooth surface. Due to the smooth surface and increased density of the material, the ability to adhere – adhesion to other substances – deteriorates.

Another reason is reduced surface tension. If you drop water on the surface of polypropylene, the drop does not spread and retains its original shape. Adhesives similarly do not spread over the surface and do not wet it. Reduced wetting ability prevents the interaction of the material with the glue. Therefore, the only way to glue elements or fragments of polypropylene is to use a special extruder with a special rod.

Buy high-quality plastic products from reliable manufacturers. Then you won’t have to think about what to glue polypropylene with. The Kraft company offers solutions for any business area. Our plastic containers meet European quality standards.