Anaerobic adhesives work by completely filling gaps between metal components. Using an anaerobic adhesive is a huge safeguard from loosening that can come from vibration. They can also work to protect the joint from corrosion or rust that can develop from moisture. These adhesives are typically used to augment the seal or holding force of a mechanically joined assembly.

Anaerobic sealants will not cure without the presence of metal and lack of oxygen. But lack of oxygen and presence of metal is exactly the environment that arises when an anaerobic sealant (adhesive) is sealed between a nut and a bolt on a threaded metal assembly or between two closely fitted metal cylindrical parts. With active metal ions and no oxygen, anaerobic adhesives and sealants rapidly cure to form a tough cross-linked plastic that will form an excellent bond with many metals.

What Benefits Can You Expect Using Anaerobic Sealants?

Here are just a few of the benefits that you can expect from using anaerobic sealants:

•   Liquid adhesive provides greater surface-to-surface contact than mechanical fasteners.
•   Quick curing without air; accelerates assembly rates.
•   Resistant to oils, solvents and other surface treatments.
•   Available in permanent and removable formulations.
•   Superior bond strength; often exceeds that of substrate material.
•   Wide temperature range; from 55 to 150°C (-65 to 300°F).
•   Gap fill capability from interference fits up to 0.5mm (0.02”).
•   Seals, bonds and locks with one product.

There are four basic types of anaerobic sealant adhesives:

1) Retaining compound – which bond and seal cylindrical joints.
2) Threadlocker, – which bond and seal threaded metal fasteners.
3) Thread sealant – which bond and seal threaded pipes and fittings.
4) FIP Form in place gasket – FIPs create a gasket directly on a part.

Chemical Concepts proudly carries several anaerobic sealant adhesives from Permabond and Pacer. Let’s focus on one product that serves as a thread sealant and one that serves as a threadlocker.

Permabond® LH050 – Thread sealant

Permabond® LH050 pipe sealant (pipe dope) with PTFE is a general purpose pipe sealant that provides instant air pressure seal up to 1000 psi with limited hand tightening. After cure, the sealing capability is typically up to the burst rating of the pipe itself. The low locking strength allows easy disassembly.

Permabond® LH050 pipe sealant performs well on most metals, particularly steel and brass. It provides an excellent alternative to pipe dopes and pipe tapes for sealing pipe joints.

It cures anaerobically when in contact with metal parts (as in a threaded pipe joint). When applied, LH050 dispenses as a smooth paste, filling the entire space between the threaded parts. It then cures at ambient temperature to form a solid plastic, completely sealing against hydraulic fluids, air, gases and chemicals. In addition, it locks the pipes, plugs or fittings against vibration loosening, tampering and variable temperature effects.

Some of LH050’s Benefits:

•   Full cure seal to burst rating of pipe.
•   Easy to use and apply.
•   Nonflammable.
•   Environmentally friendly.
•   Allows for adjustment up to 10 hours post assembly.
•   High temperature resistance.
•   Full cure at room temperature.

More thread sealants carried by Chemical Concepts can be found here.

Permabond® HH120 – Threadlocker

Permabond® HH120 Threadlocker is an excellent general purpose threadlocker and sealant. It is used for locking bolts, nuts and screws that require permanent assembly. Its high viscosity allows for ease of use on coarse threaded fasteners. Cure is fast and reliable on steel, cadmium, zinc and other plated fasteners. Major use areas include machinery and equipment manufacturing. Additional uses include sealing pipe flanges, retaining worn bearings, and government applications, as Permabond HH120 is tested to the lot requirements of Mil-S-46163A and Mil-S-22473E.

Some of HH120’s Benefits:

•   Prevents vibration loosening
•   Controlled off-torque.
•   Non-drip, thixotropic.
•   Full cure at room temperature.
•   Provides corrosion protection.
•   Superior environmental resistance.
•   Environmentally friendly.
•   100% solids.

Check out Chemical Concepts’ full selection of anaerobic threadlockers here.

Let us help you consider how anaerobic sealants can benefit your business. Call us today at 800-220-1966 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to serving you!