Hybrid adhesives – how to properly prepare the substrate?
Tytan Professional hybrid adhesives are advanced products that combine the features of assembly adhesives and sealants, ideal for a wide range of construction and renovation applications. The key to achieving maximum bonding strength is proper substrate preparation. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to prepare a surface for bonding and why it’s important.
Hybrid adhesives from the Tytan Professional line, such as FIX² Turbo GT and the adhesives-sealants FIX² Elastic and FIX² Clear, are gaining popularity among contractors for their versatility, adhesive strength and resistance to harsh outdoor conditions. However, to take full advantage of their potential, proper substrate preparation prior to application is key.
Preparing the substrate step by step
Here are the steps to take to ensure that the bond is indeed strong and reliable. Make sure the substrate is solid and stable. Regardless of the work being done, it is good practice to check the surface and substrate you are working with. If the substrate is weakened, the glued element may fall off, not because of the poor performance of the adhesive, but precisely because of the fragile substrate.
The next step is to clean the surface. The substrate and the material to be glued should be free of dust, dirt, grease and other contaminants. Contaminants can reduce the proper adhesion of the adhesive.
Degreasing is a key step in preparing the substrate for hybrid adhesives. Fats, oils can significantly reduce the adhesion of the adhesive. For degreasing, it is best to use acetone or ethanol, which effectively removes grease and provides a clean surface. For plastics, it is recommended to use milder detergents to avoid damaging the material. Interestingly, hybrids cure when exposed to moisture, so application to a slightly damp, but not wet substrate is acceptable. This is because if the adhesive uses the moisture from the substrate needed for setting then the remaining excess water from the substrate, can weaken the adhesion.
Priming – option or necessity?
Even the strongest mounting adhesive, such as FIX² Turbo GT, requires a stable and well-prepared surface. As we have already mentioned, it is good practice and, as it were, the contractor’s duty to assess the condition of the substrate and then prepare it properly. If the substrate is load-bearing, well cleaned of dust, dirt and grease there is usually no need to prime.
If, on the other hand, the substrate is degraded and unstable, the contractor should take care to strengthen it before using the hybrid adhesive. For example, the substrate may be very old, absorbent and “dusty,” so that standard dusting with a brush may not be enough. In that case, it is worth using an emulsion for priming and strengthening, which will make the surface more uniform and resistant to loads.
Each situation should be evaluated individually and then decide whether the surface should be primed or not.
Why is proper preparation of the substrate important?
The best hybrid adhesive will not do its job if the substrate is not properly prepared. Lack of preparation can lead to problems such as:
- Poor adhesion: Dirt, unevenness and oily surfaces can significantly reduce the adhesion of the adhesive.
- Uneven adhesive distribution: An uneven substrate means that the adhesive does not spread evenly, weakening the bond.
- Shorter joint life: Inaccurate substrate preparation can lead to premature bond breakage, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
Substrate preparation is one of the most important steps when using Tytan Professional hybrid adhesives. By thoroughly cleaning, degreasing and possibly priming the surface, you can be sure that the joints will be durable and long-lasting. Take care of every detail of preparation to take full advantage of the benefits of hybrid adhesives and enjoy their reliability in various applications for years to come.