Adhesive and Solvent Bonding

This chapter provides an overview on the mechanism of adhesive and solvent bonding. It is also referred as cementing.In adhesive and solvent bonding, a material different from either of the parts to be joined is applied to the joint surfaces. The chapter makes the difference between the solvent and adhesive bonding. In solvent bonding, a solvent is used to dissolve the joint surfaces of plastic parts; the parts are then held together as the solvent evaporates, forming a bond, as well as solvent application softens the parts being bonded, allowing increased freedom of movement of polymer chains. In adhesive bonding, an adhesive applied to a joint develops structural features as it cures, forming a bond to both joint surfaces. Adhesive bonding is the most general of all joining techniques and can be used to join plastic parts to each other or to dissimilar materials such as metals, ceramics, or wood. Different types of adhesives and solvents are also explained in the chapter.