Adhesives for PVC

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a specific type of vinyl that is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer. It is known for its durability and chemical resistance. From PVC pipes to medical devices, PVC is not only diverse but also one of the most common synthetic plastic polymers in the world. It can be used with wire insulation, medical devices, piping, window frames, automotive trimmings, packaging, and much more. 

Although PVC plastic is so popular, it can be harder to bond than other types of substrates. The plastic has a low surface energy that makes it challenging for some adhesives to penetrate the surface and create a strong bond. That being said, there are adhesives designed with this low surface energy in mind. With the right surface preparation and adhesive, you can achieve a strong and lasting bond.

Types of PVC

PVC is a type of vinyl, but there are different types of PVC as well. When determining the best PVC adhesive for your needs, you should keep in mind the type of PVC as each can have slightly different bonding requirements.

• Rigid PVC- Rigid PVC is a tougher type of PVC plastic known for its durability and strength. Structural adhesives or cyanoacrylates usually bond well with rigid PVC.
• Plasticized PVC- Plasticized PVC is a softer and more flexible type of PVC plastic that is made with the addition of plasticizers. The best glue for PVC plastic of this kind may be a cyanoacrylate.
• Green PVC- PVC plastic is not considered good for the environment, but green PVC plastic is made from recycled materials. The right adhesive will depend on the makeup of the green PVC.

If you have questions about the best polyvinyl chloride glue for your specific application, you can also speak with one of our adhesive experts.

Types of PVC Glue

There are several different types of adhesives, but only some of them are suited to bond polyvinyl chloride plastic successfully.

• Epoxy: Epoxy adhesives are two-part adhesive consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed in the right ratio and in the right environment, they can provide strong, durable bonds. The right epoxy can be suitable for rigid and flexible PVC.

• Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate): Super glue is a fast-setting adhesive that can be good for quick repairs, but it may not be as suited for structural bonding applications.

• Specialty Products: Some types of glue may cause damage to plastics, but there are usually some specialty products designed not to. These specialty adhesives come in different forms including PUR, or hot melt adhesives.

How to Bond PVC Successfully

Whether you are bonding PVC to PVC or PVC to another material, you need an adhesive for plastic that can handle this difficult substrate, but do not stop there. Another important part of bonding vinyl with an adhesive is the surface preparation.

The substrate surfaces should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions and free of dirt, grease, or other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesive’s ability to adhere to the surface. Isopropyl alcohol is often used during this cleaning process. The substrates should also be dry before the adhesive is applied, and the adhesive should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In some cases, this process may require using a primer, applying an applicator, or roughing the surface to get the best results.

Once the adhesive is applied, the pieces should be fully cured before the bond is exposed to any stress. The substrates may need to be held together with clamps or left alone to cure in certain environments. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on cure time and curing processes for best results.

If you are using a new adhesive, it may be best to conduct a test first to ensure that they adhesive meets your needs before rolling it out to your entire production line.

Choose the Right Adhesive for PVC

Bonding PVC plastic can seem daunting, but you can get a successful result. Whether you’re working on a small craft project or a major plumbing job, you need to use the right adhesive and to follow the right application process. For help finding the best adhesive for your PVC application as well as more information on how to apply it correctly, just contact us and you can speak with one of our adhesive experts.