High Temperature Resistant Retaining Compounds
Anaerobic adhesives or retaining compounds are used to enhance the closure of assemblies that are mechanically joined together. They are seen in a wide range of applications requiring tight cementing for example, locking Threadlocker of threaded assemblies, offering a leak-proof seal or acting as substitutes to press fits or shrink fits.
Curing Process of Retaining Compounds
Retaining compounds are distinguished by their feature of remaining in the liquid state unless they are alienated from air with a metal ion like iron or copper needing to be present. On application of this adhesive to a nut and bolt, rapid solidification starts taking place leading to the compound’s hardening and thus ensuring a tough seal between the nut and bolt. This is known as the curing of the retaining compound which occurs because of their typical composition. About 95% of the compound’s composition comprises of monomer while percentage of the metal bonding catalyst known as reaction initiator is 5%. The reaction initiator initiates the reaction process between itself and the metal on removal of air presence and bonds with the monomer. This helps to attach the surfaces of two metals tightly. High temperature resistant retaining compounds comprise the new variety which has to undergo heat cure to achieve the added toughness.
Indispensability of Retaining Compounds in Varied Industrial Adhesives Applications
Threaded fasteners play a critical role in deciding the life of the assemblies they are set on. In many cases, fasteners that loosen quickly can lead to loss of huge sums of money due to occurrence of drastic equipment failures. Mechanical holding devices like wire retainers, spring washers or nuts fail to prevent the threaded fasteners from loosening due to varied stresses. Chances of corrosion within the assembly also cannot be ruled out by using these devices. At such times anaerobic adhesives play an indispensable role in providing a reliable and cost-efficient solution to the sealing and leak-proofing of the threaded fasteners. Requiring just a drop or two of the liquid, the retaining compounds envelop the thread grooves and cure forming a tough thermo-set plastic as they are subjected to the active metal ions in non-presence of air.
Varied Strengths to Suit Differing Application Needs
There are three strengths of the thread lockers available in the market. Low, medium and high are the strength types which are differentiated from one another by their color code. Low and medium strength are denoted by purple and blue colors while green and red are used as tough strength adhesives. Bonds that are developed by using medium or low strength adhesives can be broken by normal tools without needing heat application while the tough strength requires exposure to 450 degree Fahrenheit temperatures for their removal during the maintenance process.
Summarizing
Used widely as thread lockers, thread sealants, flange sealants, the anaerobic adhesives are easy to use and being non-solvent glues they are eco-friendly too. Heat resistant retaining compounds are recommended for retaining bearings, bushings, fans, seals and liners. All in all they are an absolutely essential item for enhancing the long life of all mechanical assemblies.
Author Bio
Tapan Mehta is an avid writer on topics that provide information about adhesives, plastics, rubber and other related subjects. In this article he gives a brief on Industrial Adhesives, Threadlocker, retaining compounds that are heat resistant and otherwise.
