Innovative adhesive hardens in a magnetic field has developed by researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It is, probably thought to be the unique adhesive in the world.
It doesn’t need light, air or heat to cure, as is usual with regular adhesives. It unfolds its power, which connects the two parts when it comes into a magnetic field. When hardening, the components of the adhesive crosslink so that it receives its final strength.
Curing Time Significantly Reduced : Innovative Adhesive
In many cases, hardening with a magnetic field is extremely useful, for example when wood and a rubber seal are to be glued together. Air cannot reach the glue point, so it usually takes a long time for the glue to crosslink.
Another possibility is the use of epoxy resin adhesive, which consists of a resin and a hardener. If these are mixed, the curing process begins as soon as the component is heated. It depends very much on perfect planning. If the resin-hardener mixture is mixed too early or applied too late, the two parts will not adhere firmly enough to each other.
When hardening by the magnet, there is no need for meticulous scheduling. Besides, the energy consumption is 120 times lower than heat treatment, which often takes several hours. According to the NTU researchers led by Raju V. Ramanujan, the adhesive is primarily of interest to the industry that produces fibre composite materials, such as the producers of sports equipment such as skis and bicycle frames. These are still dependent on traditional epoxy resin adhesives today.
Nanoparticles in a Magnetic Field : Innovative Adhesive
The new adhesive consists of epoxy resin with which magnetizable nanoparticles are mixed. They are manganese-zinc-iron oxides. As soon as these come into a magnetic field, they heat up and stimulate networking. There is no need to supply heat from outside.
This is also of interest to manufacturers of products made from heat-sensitive materials, such as the sports shoe industry. Since the soles and upper shoe must not be excessively heated, the glued areas have to be heat-treated for hours at relatively low temperatures. The new glue develops heat only in the glue point.