FUSION BONDING.

Abstract

Results of an experimental study are presented which show that polyolefin plastics (e. g. Polyethylene, Polypropylene, etc. ) can be melt bonded to vulcanized polyolefin elastomers (e. g. ethylene-propylene rubbers, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymers, etc. ) by injection molding, compression or extrusion processes. The technique is of particular interest using EPDM rubbers and offers scope in the production of engineering components. The effectiveness of the bonding is strongly dependent on the elastomer composition in terms of fillers, oils, etc. and certain minimum concentrations are necessary depending on the type of polyolefin plastic being used. Thus density, degree of branching, molecular weight and monomer composition in the plastic are important. The bonds produced have excellent environmental resistance and good thermal stability, to temperatures in excess of 100 degree C.