Available Types Of Adhesives For Glass Bonding
Adhesives and glass glues are widely used as bonding agents in various glass repair or restoration activities. They are commonly used to bond glass to other structures (such as window frame materials) as well as bonding glass to other glass surfaces.
Different types of glass adhesives have different characteristics. The use of each adhesive is therefore associated with different advantages and disadvantages. This article discusses two types of adhesives used in glass bonding for those intent on undertaking DIY glass restoration.
Polyurethane-Based Adhesives
Polyurethane is a preferred choice for the fabrication of glass adhesives because of its high elasticity. When used for glass restoration activities, this elasticity translates into an increased elongation capability for the bonding adhesive. As such, polyurethane-based glass adhesives are most suitable for repair of glass joints that need to bear loads and stresses.
On the down side, polyurethane-based adhesives are not good at resisting the potentially harmful effects of exposure to ultra-violet radiation. If polyurethane-based adhesives have to be used for glass repairs, a protective coating must be applied on its surface so as to block ultraviolet rays from reaching the adhesive material.
It is important to point out that polyurethane adhesives should not be allowed to get into contact with the skin. This is because the adhesives contain MDI compounds that may pose a risk to the good health of an adhesive user.
Silicone-Based Adhesives And Modified Silanes
Modified silanes and silicon-based glass adhesives are often preferred over their polyurethane-based counterparts for their increased capacity to resist the damaging effects of UV radiation.
In addition to their elongation capabilities, modified silane adhesives are preferred because they do not contain MDI compounds. Their use is therefore less toxic than the use of polyurethane-based adhesives. However, silane adhesives often have a lower mechanical strength than that of their polyurethane cousins, which is an important factor for successful DIY glass repairs. The use of modified silanes as glass adhesives is also preferred because the chemical composition of these adhesives is highly compatible with glass.
In addition to UV resistance, silicone-based adhesives are also known for their commendable elongation properties. Consequently, they are suitable for use in glass restoration activities that involve bonding large glass areas.
For the best results, application of silicone-based glass adhesives should be done after a glass-primer has been applied on the glass surface to be repaired.
For more information on the available types of adhesives for DIY glass bonding, contact local glass repairs companies.
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