Product Name
PLEXUS MA590 IT170 Two-part methacrylate 50 Gallon Drum Adhesive
Brief Description
Plexus MA590 is a two-part methacrylate adhesive specifically engineered for the structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It is supplied in a 1:1 mix ratio and is known for its extra-long working time, making it ideal for large or complex bonding applications. The adhesive cures at room temperature to form high-strength, durable bonds with excellent fatigue endurance, impact resistance, and superior toughness.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of large marine structures, such as stringers and liners into fiberglass boats, with bond lines up to one inch thick.- General structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Applications requiring a very long open time for positioning and aligning large components.- Manufacturing of wind blades, turbine housing assemblies, and lightning suppression systems in the wind energy sector.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Marine- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- Construction/ Building Services- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Fabrication- Aerospace/Defense- Energy (specifically wind energy)
Special and Unique Features
- Extra-long working time of 90 to 105 minutes, allowing ample time for large or complex assemblies.- Excellent gap-filling capabilities, suitable for bond lines up to 1.5 inches (25mm) thick.- Thixotropic, non-sagging gel formula ensures easy application and prevents dripping.- Easy to use 1:1 mix ratio.- High strength and very high elongation, providing durable and impact-resistant bonds.- Requires minimal to no surface preparation for many substrates, reducing dust emissions and increasing production speed.- 100% reactive formulation.
Key Properties
- **Color (Mixed):** Gray or Black (depending on part A/B combination).- **Mix Ratio:** 1:1.- **Working Time:** 90 – 105 minutes at 75°F (24°C).- **Fixture Time:** 180 – 240 minutes (3 to 4 hours) to achieve 75% ultimate strength; 250 – 380 minutes (4 to 6.5 hours) for higher strength.- **Shear Strength:** 1,500-2,200 psi (10.3 – 17.2 MPa).- **Tensile Strength:** 2,000-2,500 psi (13.8 – 17.2 MPa).- **Tensile Elongation:** > 130%.- **Operating Temperature:** -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C).- **Mixed Density:** 7.68 lbs/gal (0.92 g/cc).- **Chemical Resistance:** Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids, and bases (3-10 pH). Susceptible to polar solvents and strong acids/bases.
Surface Compatibility
- **Composites:** DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM.- **Coated Metals:** Powder coated or E-coated Metals.- **Thermoplastics:** ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs, Styrenics, Urethane, Vinyl Ester.- **Raw Metals (with PC120 primer):** Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, etc.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Other Plexus Methacrylate Adhesives:** Plexus offers a range of MMA adhesives with varying working times and properties, such as MA8210, MA205HV, MA422, MA685, MA830, MA920, MA1020, MA550, MA330, and MA420, which can serve as alternatives depending on specific application requirements.- **Other Methacrylate Adhesives (MMAs):** Various manufacturers produce two-part methacrylate adhesives that offer similar structural bonding capabilities for metals, plastics, and composites.- **Bio-based Isobornyl Methacrylate (IBOMA):** Research is exploring IBOMA as a sustainable bio-based alternative to traditional petroleum-based methyl methacrylate (MMA) in certain adhesive applications.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA590, as a methacrylate adhesive (MMA), offers a unique balance of speed and versatility compared to other structural adhesive chemistries like epoxies and urethanes. MMAs are known for their fast cure times (though MA590 has a long open time, its fixture time is relatively quick for structural bonds) and excellent adhesion to dissimilar substrates and plastics, often requiring minimal surface preparation. Epoxies typically provide the highest strength and heat/chemical resistance, forming rigid bonds, while urethanes offer more flexibility and impact resistance, absorbing vibration and differential movement. MA590's long working time distinguishes it from many other MMAs, making it suitable for larger assemblies where more time is needed for alignment.
