Among the latest developments from Master Bond laboratories is the EP46HT-1AO, formulated for bonding and sealing applications and used in the aerospace, electronic and specialty OEM industries.

Unlike most conventional two-component epoxies, EP46HT-1AO cures with the addition of heat, which allows it to have a working life exceeding 24 hours. It has a forgiving 100 to 30 mix ratio by weight and bonds well to metals, composites, glass, ceramics and many plastics.

EP46HT-1AO combines thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties. This dimensionally stable system provides a tensile strength over 7,500 psi, a compressive strength of 26,000 psi and a tensile lap shear strength greater than 1,500 psi at room temperature. EP46HT-1AO also withstands a variety of chemicals including oils, water, acids, bases and solvents.

This unique compound is serviceable over the temperature range of -73°C to +288°C (-100°F to +550°F) and offers a glass transition temperature of 215°C. It should be noted that EP46HT-1AO is relatively exothermic and should not be cured in sections greater than 20-30 thousandths of an inch thick and a bondline thickness is typically 2-7 thousandths of an inch.

This epoxy is available in half-pint, pint, quart, gallon and five-gallon container kits. Part A of this system is tan in colour and Part B is moderately dark brown. EP46HT-1AO has a 6 month shelf life at ambient temperatures in original, unopened containers.

Master Bond EP46HT-1AO combines thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties

Another product that has emerged recently from Master Bond laboratories has been specially formulated to optimise bond strength – the UV15-42C. It is a UV curable system for bonding, sealing and coating applications. This smooth paste can be applied vertically without sagging. As an optically clear compound, it is often used in the fibre-optic, optical, electronic, aerospace and specialty OEM industries.

This one part system bonds well to a wide variety of substrates including glass, metals, composites, rubbers and most plastics. Adhesion to acrylic and polycarbonates is exceptional. UV15-42C also features a tensile strength of 5,000-6,000 psi and a tensile modulus of 250,000-300,000 psi at room temperature. Its toughness enables it to withstand thermal cycling as well as mechanical shock. UV15-42C is also resistant to chemicals such as water, oils, cleaning agents, acids and bases.

It cures readily in 10-30 seconds upon exposure to a UV light source emitting a 320-365 nm wavelength with an energy output of 20-40 milliwatts/cm2. UV15-42C is not oxygen inhibited and will cure in thicknesses up to a quarter inch. This electrically insulative, dimensionally stable system has low shrinkage upon curing.

UV15-42C is serviceable from -65°F to +300°F and is available for use in syringes and cartridges. It can also be purchased in ½ pint, pint and quart containers.