New adhesive to boost mixed material applications for vehicles
Researchers at Michigan State University, with support from the automotive section of the American Chemistry Council, have developed a new type of adhesive that could allow automakers to bond a variety of different materials together.
The "super glue" can be applied to materials with different surface properties and at different material temperatures.
Sandra McClelland, a member of the American Chemistry Council and sales and business development manager for Solvay Specialty Polymers, said the adhesive can be used to separate various automotive materials once they reach the end of their useful life. And ensure the cleanliness of their materials, which just meet the needs of automotive companies for material recycling.
The group wants to keep patent fees low to encourage car companies to use mixed materials in their vehicle designs.
"Today's and tomorrow's vehicles will use a wide range of fuel-efficient materials," McClelland said. "Using a variety of materials will provide an optimal configuration for both the vehicle and the user, taking into account performance, safety, aesthetics and value. All materials do their best."
The automotive industry should avoid all-or-nothing selection limitations when selecting automotive and component materials, and should use a variety of materials, such as: Aluminum alloy and high-strength steel, aluminum and composite, composite and steel, etc., without increasing the weight of the car or the use of adhesives, to ensure that during the service life of the vehicle, its components are difficult to separate.
Researchers are very optimistic about the application prospects of the adhesive, which uses a strengthened hot plastic and ultra-fine magnetic particles, which can bond all kinds of plastics, metals or plastic metal composites without adding rivets or connecting pieces. The adhesive makes it easier to recycle products at the end of their useful lives.
McClelland said that the research is still in the laboratory testing stage, but the potential for future practical applications is considerable. The bonding method makes the parts to be repaired stronger once they are bonded together.