Product Name
PLEXUS MA2230/2245/2290 – 5 Gallon Pail Activator – Black
Brief Description
This product is a black-colored activator (Part B) for a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive system, specifically designed to be combined with Plexus MA2230, MA2245, or MA2290 adhesives (Part A) at a 10:1 ratio. Manufactured by ITW Polymers Adhesives (NA), this activator facilitates the structural bonding of various materials, including thermoplastics, metals, and composite assemblies.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Composite bonding applications in marine and transportation industries.- Bonding magnets in loudspeakers and transformers.- Bonding panels of aluminum for trucks and construction equipment, including side and roof panels, door panels, and aerodynamic components.- Composite bonding for truck trailer beds and parts such as fenders, stiffeners, and sliding roofs.- Bonding hulls, deck liners, ski boats, yachts, internal fixtures, canoes, and kayaks.- Applications involving PVC trimboard for skirting, moldings, fascia, soffit trim, and window/door surrounds.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/Building Services- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- PVC Trimboard- Transportation/Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Requires virtually no surface preparation for bonding.- Capable of filling large gaps, ranging from 0.03 inches to 1.5 inches (0.75 mm to 38 mm).- Offers excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness.- High tension strength and excellent peel strength.- Cures quickly at room temperature without the need for heat.- Provides good flexibility even at low temperatures.- Exhibits minimal bond shrinkage.- Tolerant of off-ratio mixing and oily surfaces.- Resistant to solvents and weathering.- Low exotherm (for MA2230, MA2245).- Highly thixotropic, allowing for dispensing of large non-sag beads (for MA2230, MA2245).- Utilizes low shrink technology (for MA2230, MA2245).
Key Properties
- Component: Two-part system (Activator is Part B).- Mix Ratio (Adhesive:Activator): 10:1 by volume.- Color (Activator): Black.- Working Time: Varies by adhesive (MA2230: 40-42 mins; MA2245: 40-50 mins; MA2290: 80-110 mins).- Fixture Time: Varies by adhesive (MA2245: 100-130 mins; MA2290: 170-215 mins).- Operating Temperature: -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C).- Resistance: Excellent to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), salt solutions.- Susceptibility: Polar solvents, strong acids and bases.- Tensile Strength: Ranges from 2,000 – 3,100 psi (13.4 – 21.2 MPa) depending on the specific adhesive.- Elongation at Break: > 60% for MA2245; 40-100% for MA2290.
Surface Compatibility
- Composites: DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, fiberglass, carbon fiber, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, sheet molding compound.- Thermoplastics: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs.- Metals: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel (some raw metals may require PC120 primer), most metals including steel.- Coated Metals: Powder coated or E-coated Metals.
Known backups / known substitutes
- Other Plexus MMA Adhesives: Plexus MA550, MA830, MA1020, MA300, MA310.- General Methacrylate Adhesives (MMAs).- Two-part Epoxies (though MMAs offer advantages like room temperature cure and less surface preparation).
Comparison Note
Plexus methacrylate adhesives, including those activated by this product, offer significant advantages over some other structural adhesives like two-part epoxies. They cure quickly at room temperature, eliminating the need for heat, and provide high tension, impact, and peel strength. They are also highly effective at bonding dissimilar materials and offer good chemical and environmental resistance, along with minimal bond shrinkage and tolerance for less-than-ideal surface conditions.
