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Solvent bonding

Solvent bonding or solvent welding is a process in which the surfaces of parts to be joined are treated with a solvent. This swells and softens the surfaces and by applying pressure to the joint and with the evaporation of the solvent, the two surfaces bond. Adhesives are not used. The process is commonly used with amorphous thermoplastics such as Xantar.

Specific advantages of solvent bonding are:
- homogeneous distribution of mechanical loads
- good aesthetics
- economic assembly
- low weight, no heavy screws, bolts and nuts
- heat sensitive constructions or materials, which welding would distort or destroy, can be joined
- good sealing and insulating properties.

Potential limitations are:
- entrapment of solvent in the joint
- stress cracking or crazing
- dissimilar materials can only be joined if both are soluble in a common solvent or in a mixture of solvents
- differences in thermal expansion of components are not compensated if dissimilar materials are bonded
- reproducibility/process control
- high solvent evaporation time due to its entrapment in the polymer matrix
- no disassembly possible
- assembly hazards such as fire or toxicity.

Gluing home
Solvent bonding
 •Solvents
 •Process
 •Design

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