Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
(OP)
Hi guys,
I have some EPDM non slip sheeting that I want to put on the deck of my aluminium (un-anodised) yacht.
Can anyone recommend an adhesive system?
I have some EPDM non slip sheeting that I want to put on the deck of my aluminium (un-anodised) yacht.
Can anyone recommend an adhesive system?





RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
3M Scotch-Weld 4799
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/3M-Ind...
3M Scotch-Weld CA-40
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?SSSSSu...--
Reltek BONDiT
http://www.reltekllc.com/adhesives-for-rubber.htm
Loctite 496 and others:
http://www.henkelna.com/us/content_data/14105_LT26...
Lord Chemlok 6253
http://www.lord.com/products-and-solutions/adhesiv...
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
Irrespective of the adhesive chosen the surface preparation of the aluminium is of fundamental importance. You MUST use a process which inhibits the formation of hydrated oxides in later service or you will experience adhesion failure. Using a different adhesive will only result in a different colour surface on the disbond. Please, please please do not believe that you can use a scuff-sand and solvent clean for this bond.
Regards
Blakmax
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
Can Iask for a recommendation ? Please!
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
I have posted my advice on this and other forums many times, but here we go again.
Adhesive bonding is a chemical process which requires chemical reactions at the bond interface. Usually covalent bonds give the best strength. To achieve a chemical reaction the surface must be clean (yes, wipe it WELL with MEK) but it must also be chemically active, so the existing oxide layer must be removed. The most effective method for metals is grit blasting using clean abrasive and clean dry propellant gas. At that stage you will have a clean, chemically active surface. DO NOT solvent clean or you will contaminate the surface. Blow the dust off with clean, dry gas. The surface will instantaneously oxidise but that surface is reactive. Now if that is all the processing you do, the bond will be strong in the short term, but will not last very long. Aluminium has an affinity for formation of hydrated oxides, Al2O3 forms Al2O3.2H2O. In service all polar molecules will attract water by absorption and that water is sufficient to enable hydration of the bonding surface. So for longer term durability you must treat the surface with something that prevents hydration of the interface. (I stress that using a sealant barrier around the bond is not a solution.)
One means of providing hydration resistance is phosphoric acid anodising and application of a chromate based primer (BR 127). The primer contains hexavalent chromium so extreme care is required and your local EPA may prohibit its use without a permit and stringent process controls.
A less risky process involves the use of organo-functional silane coupling agents such as Dow Corning's Z6040. However, if this is a one-off process I recommend you buy a kit. Google AC130 and I am sure you will find it.
Regards
Blakmax
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
I used this on the boat before.
Can I just sand the surface, whipe with MEK and then wash with Alodine?
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
This reference may be useful for you guys:
http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/artn065...
Regards
Blakmax
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
It is very simple to determine cases where the wrong adhesive was chosen. The failure will leave adhesive residue on both surfaces because the adhesive was too weak to carry the loads (or the design was poor). If the failure occurs at the surface of one adherend then it is a surface preparation problem. Changing the adhesive without changing the process will simply change the colour of the disbond.
Regards
Blakmax
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
Regards Blakmax
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
RE: Need to bond EPDM sheeting to Aluminium deck on a yacht
http://www.rubbersheetroll.com/techdata/epdm_rubbe... Acrylic Adhesive backing is an option
I'd have trouble applying a big sheet of rubber without wrinkles and bumps.
Have you looked at with aggressive non-slip strips by 3M with some (acrylic?) adhesive pre-applied?
3M often makes the point that acrylic adhesives require less surface prep than epoxies.
"Acrylic Adhesives - Taking the stresses of tough duty
Two-part adhesives that bond well to a wide range of surfaces including most plastics and metal with minimal surface preparation."
"High strength bonding without the surface preparation needed for epoxies and urethanes."
http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?mwsId=...