Thioplast® Polysulfides in Adhesives

Adhesives: Key to advanced engineering

In today's industrial world, where precision, reliability, and efficiency are crucial, adhesives have evolved far beyond their original role as simple binding agents, they have become foundational pillars supporting a myriad of applications.

At the heart of every industrial innovation and high-performance undertaking lies the critical contribution of adhesives - the unsung heroes that enable the seamless fusion of materials, the fortification of structures, and the realization
of groundbreaking designs.

Thioplast® polysulfide: Elevating epoxy adhesive performance
Within adhesive materials, Thioplast® polysulfide-enhanced epoxy adhesives occupy a unique space due to their specialized properties that are tailored for challenging applications and environments. Incorporating Thioplast® polysulfide compounds into epoxy systems results in modifications that extend the capabilities of these adhesives. These formulations are widely used and offer a range of benefits where durable and protective qualities are paramount, such as in aerospace, electronics, and other specialized manufacturing sectors.

Adhesives are essential in modern industry, streamlining the assembly of complex products and enhancing their strength and durability. Their versatile applications reduce costs and enable the use of diverse materials.

Boost adhesive capabilities with Thioplast® polysulfides

Improved chemical resistance

Essential for use in environments with exposure to agressive substances.

Enhanced mechanical toughness

Ensuring the durability of bonds in dynamic and demanding conditions.

Variable curing process

Offering flexibility for different production requirements.

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Compatibility with diverse materials

Providing versatility for multiple application scenarios.

 

Key Properties

 

 

Mechanical Strength: Adhesion and Shear Strength
Polysulfide-epoxy adhesives are known for their impressive mechanical strength, heavily influenced by the bond substrate and the adhesive's formulation. Thioplast® polysulfide polymers are especially effective at augmenting the bonding capabilities of epoxy adhesives when it comes to adhering to substrates made of metal, glass, and concrete.

  • Adhesion Strength: The adhesion strength of neat epoxy resins can be improved by more than 70 % even in basic formulations. Optimal adhesion strength is typically achieved with a polysulfide content between 5-25%.
  • Shear Strength: With the addition of 20 % Thioplast® EPS35 polysulfides, basic formulations can reach improvements in shear strength of more than 100 % compared to neat epoxies, providing a robust bond that effectively resists forces applied parallel to the boding surface.

Glass transition temperature (Tg)
The glass transition temperature of these adhesives is influenced by the proportion of polysulfide. A moderate proportion, roughly 10%, results in minimal impact of the Tg. However, when polysulfide and epoxy are in equal ratios, the glass transition temperature of the epoxy can decrease by 20-30 °C depending on the epoxy. 

The lowered glass transition temperature will increase the mobility of polymeric chains in the adhesives leading to a greatly improved low-temperature impact resistivity and improved temperature shock resitance.

At these high ratios, also the heat resistance can be negatively affected. Pure Thioplast® polysulfide polymers can operate at a maximum working temperature of 120 °C.

Shear strength increase with and without Thioplast® EPS 35 polysulfides on various surfaces.

 

 

Chemical Resistance and Environmental Adaptability

Thioplast® polysulfide-epoxy adhesives exhibit excellent resistance to chemicals and environmental conditions, making them suitable for demanding industrial settings:

  • Chemical Resistance: These adhesives can withstand various chemicals and solvents, even under immersion conditions.
  • Water and Corrosion Resistance: Thanks to their low water and water vapor permeability, these adhesives provide superior water and corrosion resistance.

Cure Shrinkage and Low-Temperature Performance
Polysulfide-epoxy adhesives offer minimal cure shrinkage and excellent low-temperature performance. The low cure shrinkage reduces distortion of bonded parts upon curing, unlike traditional epoxy resins.

Thioplast® polysulfide-epoxy adhesives maintain integrity and performance during thermal shock and cycling, making them ideal for environments subject to temperature fluctuations.

Main Applications

 

Elevating Vehicle Integrity with Unrivaled Bonds

Forge unbreakable connections within the automotive realm with our polysulfide-based epoxy adhesives designed to surpass industry benchmarks. Witness the seamless integration of metal parts in vehicle assembly, fortified by the steadfast grip of polysulfide-enhanced epoxy adhesives.

Moreover, ensure steadfast windshield and panel bonding to fortify structural integrity, presenting a testament to unwavering safety and reliability in automotive design and construction.
Adhesives are pivotal in automotive manufacturing, enhancing vehicle safety, structural integrity, and fuel efficiency by bonding diverse materials seamlessly.

Adhesives are pivotal in automotive manufacturing, enhancing vehicle safety, structural integrity, and fuel efficiency by bonding diverse materials seamlessly.

 

 

Aviation - Unyielding Strength in the Skies

Thioplast® polysulfide-based adhesives are vital in aviation, offering exceptional performance and reliability. They are used for bonding materials with precision and strength, crucial for the structural integrity of aircraft. These adhesives effectively bond aluminum and steel components, providing seamless integration and corrosion resistance.

These adhesives are easy to apply, reducing assembly time and maintenance. They also exhibit excellent weatherproofing and chemical resistance, suitable for various climates and harsh environments.

 

Thioplast® polysulfide-based adhesives maintain integrity and performance during thermal shock and cycling, making them ideal for environments subject to temperature fluctuations.

Superior Adhesion Boosting Construction Resilience

Immerse architectural projects in a realm of fortified durability and enduring strength with polysulfide-based epoxy adhesives. From the steadfast sealing and bonding of concrete, wood, and metal elements to ensuring enduring adhesion in infrastructure maintenance, these adhesives lay the foundation for resilient structures that withstand the test of time.

Embrace unparalleled reliability as polysulfide-based epoxy adhesives become the cornerstone of enduring infrastructure, ensuring longevity and steadfast performance.

Adhesives play a critical role in modern building and construction by enhancing structural integrity, enabling innovative design, and improving the efficiency and longevity of construction projects.

Featured Products

Thioplast - polysulfides

Thioplast EPS35

Thioplast® EPS35 is a purely aliphatic epoxy-terminated polysulfide polymer. This worldwide unique product is used in combination with conventional epoxy resins to manufacture high-performance heavy-duty adhesives and coatings featuring excellent primerless adhesion, low-temperature impact and crack resistance, improved chemical resistance and anti-corrosion properties.

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Thioplast - polysulfides

Thioplast G4

The low viscosity combined with Thioplast®'s unique combination of features like chemical resistance and low-temperature flexibility appeals to high-performance coating manufacturers of all industry branches to protect metal or concrete surfaces, floors, or pipelines. Formulators tailor properties like pot-life, tensile strength, adhesion and elongation at break by choosing from various compatible plasticizers, fillers and other additives. The viscosity, degree of branching and SH content can easily be adjusted by blending this grade with others to generate your tailored Thioplast® polysulfide.

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Thioplast - polysulfides

Thioplast EPS70

Nouryon's fast-curing epoxy-terminated polysulfide polymer. Thanks to the aromatic end-groups, this grade is curing quickly, even at room temperature. As the other Thioplast® EPS grades, this grade combines the excellent properties of polysulfides with the most desirable features of epoxy-resin systems to yield: excellent primerless adhesion to many surfaces (e.g. steel, aluminum or concrete), high impact resistance, even at low temperatures, high thermo cycling stability, chemical resistance to oil, fuels, dilute acids, alkalis, solvents and sea water, very high flexibility, good weathering properties and corrosion protection. Thioplast® EPS can either be used alone or in combination with conventional epoxy resins to produce high-performance heavy-duty adhesives and coatings. Manufacturers from the automotive, marine or chemical industries rely on Thioplast® EPS grades.

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Thioplast - polysulfides

Thioplast EPS80

Nouryon's fast-curing epoxy-terminated polysulfide polymer. Thanks to the aromatic end-groups, this grade is curing quickly, even at room temperature. As the other Thioplast® EPS grades, this grade combines the excellent properties of polysulfides with the most desirable features of epoxy-resin systems to yield: excellent primerless adhesion to many surfaces (e.g. steel, aluminum or concrete), high impact resistance, even at low temperatures, high thermo cycling stability, chemical resistance to oil, fuels, dilute acids, alkalis, solvents and sea water, very high flexibility, good weathering properties and corrosion protection. Thioplast® EPS can either be used alone or in combination with conventional epoxy resins to produce high-performance heavy-duty adhesives and coatings. Manufacturers from the automotive, marine or chemical industries rely on Thioplast® EPS grades.

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Discover more

Introducing Thioplast EPS 35

To improve coating and adhesive performance in harsh environments

Get in touch!

For more information about our Thioplast® polysulfides solutions, please contact our experts. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thioplast® is a registered trademark of Nouryon in a number of territories worldwide.

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