Structural Adhesive Film

AF 31

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Note: Prior to using or handling chemicals or solutions listed below, read and follow

supplier’s environmental, health and safety information.

Proper adhesive application is as important as proper bond design and adhesive choice to

obtain maximum joint properties. Improper adhesive application techniques can result in

partial or complete failure of an assembly.

A thoroughly cleaned, dry, grease-free surface is essential for maximum performance.

Cleaning methods which will produce a break-free water film on metal surfaces are

generally satisfactory. Surface preparations should be fully evaluated with the adhesive,

especially if resistance to specific environments are anticipated.

1. Surface Preparations

A. Suggested Surface Preparation for Aluminum

1. Vapor Degrease – Perchloroethylene condensing vapors for 5-10 minutes.

2. Alkaline Degrease – Oakite 164 solution (9-11 oz./gallon water) at 190°F ±

10°F (88°C ± 5°C) for 10-20 minutes. Rinse immediately in large quantities

of cold running water.

3. Acid Etch – Place panels in the following solution for 10 minutes at 150°F ± 5°F

(66°C ± 2°C).

4.1 - 4.9 oz./gallon

Sulfuric Acid, 66° Be

38.5 - 41.5 oz./gallon

2024-T3 aluminum (dissolved)

0.2 oz./gallon minimum

Tap Water as needed to balance

4. Rinse – Rinse panels in clear running tap water.

5. Dry – Air dry 15 minutes; force dry 10 minutes at 150°F ± 10°F (66°C ± 5°C).

6. If primer is to be used, it should be applied within four hours after surface

preparation.

B. Suggested Surface Preparation for Stainless Steel (17-7PH-TH [1050])

2. Vapor Degrease – Perchloroethylene condensing vapors for 5-10 minutes..

3. Acid Etch – Place panels in the following solution for two minutes at 145°F ±

5°F (62°C ± 2°C).

59.9 grams, M.F. Acid (Wyandotte) 170 mls Commercial Concentrated Nitric

Acid. The balance of one liter of distilled or ion-free water.

4. Rinse – Rinse immediately in cold running tap water. Remove smut with

distilled water-air spray under 90 psi pressure.

5. Acid Etch – Place panels in the following solution at 160°F ± 5°F (71°C ± 2°C).

30 parts by wt. Distilled or Ion-free Water

10 parts by wt. Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

4 parts by wt. Sodium Dichromate

6. Rinse – Rinse in cold tap water. Remove smut with a distilled water-air spray

under 90 psi pressure.

7. Dry – Air dry 15 minutes; force dry 10 minutes at 150°F ± 10°F (66°C ± 5°C).

8. If primer is to be used, it should be applied within one hour after surface

preparation.

Product Application