Solvent bonding explained

Solvent bonding (also called solvent welding) is not a method of adhesive bonding (the final result does not rely on the adhesion of another substance [adhesive] and its cohesion between two substrates), but rather a method of fusing two thermoplastic plastics. Application of a solvent to a thermoplastic material softens the polymer, and with applied pressure this results in polymer chain interdiffusion at the bonding junction. When the solvent evaporates, this leaves a fully consolidated bond-line.[1] An advantage to solvent bonding versus other polymer joining methods is that bonding generally occurs below the glass transition temperature of the polymer.[2] [3]

Solvent bonding differs from adhesive bonding, because the solvent does not become a permanent addition to the joined substrate.[4] Solvent bonding differs from other plastic welding processes in that heating energy is generated by the chemical reaction between the solvent and thermoplastic, and cooling occurs during evaporation of the solvent.

Solvent bonding can be performed using a liquid or gaseous solvent. Liquid solvents are simpler and generally have lower manufacturing costs but are sensitive to surface imperfections that may cause inconsistent or unpredictable bonding.[5] Some solvents available may not react with the thermoplastic at room temperature but will react at an elevated temperature resulting in a bond.[2] Curing times are highly variable.

Applying solvent methods

Four common application methods are:

Thermoplastic and solvent compatibility

The proper solvent choice for bonding is dependent on the solubility of the chosen thermoplastic in the solvent and the processing temperature. The table below provides a selection of solvents commonly used for bonding specific thermoplastics.[6] Mutual solubility between a polymer and a solvent may be determined using the Hildebrand solubility parameter.[2] [3] Polymers will generally be more soluble in solvents with similar solubility parameters to their own in a given state (liquid or solid). The solubility parameters of polymers are not greatly affected by changes in temperature, however the solubility parameters for liquids are affected by temperature. Increasing the temperature lowers the free energy of mixing, promoting dissolution at the interface and interdiffusion bonding.[2]

Recommended Thermoplastic and Solvent Compatibility!Thermoplastic!Compatible Solvents
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Methyl isobutyl ketone
Methylene chloride
AcrylicEthylene dichloride (EDC)
Methylene chloride
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Vinyl trichloride
Polycarbonate (PC)Ethylene dichloride (EDC)
Methylene chloride
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Polystyrene (PS)Acetone
Ethylene dichloride (EDC)
Methylene chloride
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Toluene
Xylene
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)Acetone
Cyclohexane
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Tetrahydrofuran
PolyesterCyclohexanone
PolybutadieneBenzene
Cyclohexane
Hexane
Toluene
PolysulfoneMethylene chloride
Polyethylen(PE)p-xylene at 75°C for LDPE, at 100°C for HDPE

Testing solvent-bonded joints

There are three main mechanical testing methods for plastic bonding joints: tensile testing, tensile shear test, and peel test. Tensile testing using a butt joint configuration is not very conducive to polymers, particularly thin sheets, due to the challenges of mounting to the load frame. An epoxy may be used for mounting, but can lead to failure in the epoxy/polymer interface instead of in the bonded joint.[2] The most common method for testing solvent bonds is the tensile shear test using a lap joint configuration. Specimens are tested in shear to failure at a given overlap cross section via tensile loading. This testing method is particularly conducive to thin specimens due to distortion mitigation distortion in the test specimens due to the loading mechanism. Guidance for tensile shear testing may be found in ASTM D1002-05.[2]

Industrial applications

There are several industries that utilize solvent bonding for their applications. A few of these include microchip manufacturing, medical, and potable and sanitary plumbing systems.[5] [6] [7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. September 14, 1995. Basics of Design Engineering: Joining Plastics. Machine Design. 67. 16. 77.
  2. Ng, S.H.. Tjeung, R.T.. Wang, Z.F.. Lu, A.C.W.. Rodriguez, I.. de Rooij, N.F.. 2008. Thermally Activated Solvent Bonding of Polymers. Microsyst Technol. 14 . 6 . 753–759. 10.1007/s00542-007-0459-1 . 0802.3064 . 2008MiTec..14..753N .
  3. Akhil, A.V.. Raj, D.D.D.. Raj, M.K.. Bhat, S.R.. Akshay, V.. Bhowmik, S.. Ramanathan, S.. Ahmed, S.. 2016. Vaporized Solvent Bonding of Polymethyl Methacrylate. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology. 30. 8. 826–841. 10.1080/01694243.2015.1125721.
  4. Ahmed . S. . Chakrabarty . D.. Bhowmik . S. . Mukherjee . S. . Comparative Studies of Solvent Bonding and Adhesive Bonding for Fabrication of Transparent Polymers . Surface Engineering and Applied Electrochemistry . 52 . 2 . 193–201 . 10.3103/S1068375516020022 . 2016.
  5. Wan, Alwin M.D.. Sadri, Amir. Young, Edmond W.K.. 2015. Liquid Phase Solvent Bonding of Plastic Microfluidic Devices Assisted by Retention Grooves. Lab on a Chip. 15. 18 . 3785–3792. 10.1039/C5LC00729A. 26261900 .
  6. Book: Yeh, H.J.. Joining and Assembly of Medical Materials and Devices. Elsevier. 2013. 291–294. 10 Overview of Welding Methods for Medical Plastics.
  7. Reich. K.D.. Trussell. A.R.. Lieu. Y.F.. Leong. L.Y.C.. Trussell. R.R.. 1981. Diffusion of Organics from Solvent-Bonded Plastic Pipes used for Potable Water Plumbing. Proceedings - AWWA Annual Conference. 1249–1260.