One of the greatest challenges that can be placed on a quality adhesive is seeing how well it stands up to bonding dissimilar substrates – especially when the substrates have markedly difference coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). Stress caused by temperature extremes in service and thermal cycling can significantly complicate usage.

Thankfully, several tough adhesives are created just for the job of bonding dissimilar substrates, and maintain their effectiveness through many types of variables.

Common examples of dissimilar substrate bonding might include bonding:

• aluminum to glass,
• glass to plastics,
• ceramic to plastics, and
• rubbers to metals.

Let’s take a look at a few options for adhesives that work well in just these types of scenarios.

Chem-Set™ 605 Quick Set Acrylic Adhesive 

The Chem-Set 605 Quick Set Acrylic Adhesive is a two-part methacrylate clip bonding adhesive designed for the structural bonding of sink clips, steel and aluminum to solid surface, engineered stone, quartz surfaces and natural stone products. The Chem-Set 605 has a working time of 3 to 6 minutes and achieves a functional cure within 15 minutes at room temperature.

Chem-Set 605 provides high strength to acrylic solid surface, polyester solid surface, and alloy solid surface. Chem-Set 605 also bonds very strongly to steel, stainless steel, and aluminum metals.

Chem-Set 605 is a great option for:

• Solid surface,
• Engineered stone,
• Quartz,
• Natural stone.

LORD 310-A/310-B 

LORD® 310 adhesive is a modified, thixotropic, two-component epoxy adhesive system used to bond many types of prepared metals, prepared rubber, urethane and plastics. Originally formulated for primerless adhesion to SMC, LORD 310 adhesive is used to bond disk drives, down-hole oil field equipment, automotive body panels and spoilers, and vibration dampening mounts. LORD 310 adhesive can be either room temperature cured or heat cured for faster processing.

Here are some of the particular benefits you can expect from LORD 310:

• Durable – provides load bearing properties equal to or greater than the materials being bonded.
• Environmentally Friendly – contains no solvent, nonflammable and virtually odorless.
• Environmentally Resistant – resists moisture, sunlight, salt spray and thermal cycling.
• Temperature Resistant – performs at temperatures from -40 to +400°F (-40 to +204°C); resists postbakes up to 400°F (204°C); resists outgassing up to 225°F (107°C).
• Chemically Resistant – resists dilute acids, alkalis, solvents, oils and hydrocarbons; anti-corrosion processes including phosphatizing and ELPO (e-coat) coatings do not affect adhesive or its bond strength.
• Excellent Engineering Properties – provides low shrinkage, good creep properties and low water absorption.

Chem-Set™ 633 5 Minute Epoxy Adhesive 

Chem-Set™ 633 is a five-minute epoxy adhesive material commonly used with natural stone.

A few of its top features include:

• High viscosity,
• Bonds to stone and wood,
• Non-sagging adhesive,
• Gap-filling to .250 inches,
• Good solvent resistance,
• 100% reactive, no solvents,

Many of our customers use Chem-Set™ 633  adhesive for laminating and bonding metal sink fasteners to the underside of natural stones and porous countertops. However, for laminating and rodding we recommend the Chem-Set 633LV due to its thinner formulation which allows better flow.

It’s true – bonding dissimilar substrates can be a challenge, but these adhesives are up to the task. But don’t guess as to which one might work best for you – please call our experienced sales team and talk about your particular scenario. They’ll be happy to suggest the products that will best suit your needs. Call us toll-free at 800-220-1966 or email us here.