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Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) based on SBS, SEBS, and EPDM belong to the class of polyolefin polymers. Due to their low surface activity, these materials exhibit poor adhesion to most adhesives.
To bond different thermoplastic elastomers to each other or to other materials, it is recommended to use special surface activation compounds known as primers. The function of a primer is to create active chemical groups on the bonding surface, thereby improving adhesion.
In practice, surface activation by corona treatment is also commonly used.
Corona treatment (also called air plasma treatment) involves exposing the material’s surface to a low-temperature corona discharge to modify its surface properties. The corona discharge is generated by an electrode with a sharp tip, forming a plasma field around it.
For example, bonding two TPE seals is recommended using Loctite® 406 adhesive, manufactured by Henkel. Before bonding, the ends of the seals should be pretreated with the Loctite® SF 770 primer.
Unlike rubber, TPE materials can also be fused together, or “welded.” A welded joint is stronger than a bonded one and has the same hardness as the base material.
