Sikaflex Adhesive

[msquared48]

Anyone worked with SikaFlex-252, a polyurethane sealant/adhesive, steel to steel?

I have a situation where I have to attach a steel plate to an existing steel water tank to avoid welding/bolting and was wondering the durability of the material considering degredation of polyurethane due to ultraviolet radiation.

The material between the water tank and the plate will not see sunlight, but the material on the edge of the plate will. Any problem with a progressive failure of the material from the outside that is exposed to the radiation that anyone has noticed?

I was thinking about holding the material back from the edge of the plate and applying another material to prevent UV degredation, but I may be kidding myself here. Am I overthinking this?

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[TLHS]

I haven't used that specific product, but Sika's been really good with technical support over the years when I've talked to them. I can be wary of some vendor's information, but if you haven't talked to them directly try giving them a call.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Sikaflex 2xx series are moisture-cured, and limited to cure temperatures below 35C or ideally 25C. I haven't been able to find data on service temperature limits. Do ask about that; steel can get fairly warm in the sun.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Ron]

Sikaflex is a good material, but not sure it will withstand this application for the long term. Urethanes will usually revert under UV exposure, but can also do so under high heat conditions.

Consider a Dow structural silicone adhesive such as that used in structural glazing applications. Good heat resistance and UV resistance.

If you want to use the urethane, seal the edge with something else like you were thinking.