PLEXUS MA832 & MA832 GB Advanced Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive

Product Name

PLEXUS MA832 & MA832 GB Advanced Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive

Brief Description

Plexus MA832 is an advanced two-part methacrylate adhesive designed for the structural bonding of metals, thermoplastics, and composite assemblies. It offers a unique combination of high strength, excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness. The MA832 GB version is infused with glass micro-beads to ensure a minimum optimal bondline, which is a popular feature for performance bonding processes, especially under heavy clamping pressure.

Popular Applications & Uses

- Structural bonding of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, raw steel, powder-coated, and e-coated metals.- Bonding thermoplastic assemblies such as ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPU, and Styrenics.- Joining composite assemblies like DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, Carbon, Polyester, and Vinyl Esters.- Automotive and transportation applications, including bonding composite panels, body structures, interior components, and parts for trucks, buses, coaches, and rail.- Marine industry uses such as bonding fiberglass, composite materials, gelcoats, GRP, plastics, composite stringers, liners, and deck to hull bonding.- Signage and displays, for bonding acrylic panels, frames, and metal supports.- Wind energy sector, used in the manufacture of wind blades, turbine housing assemblies, and lightning suppression systems.- General industrial assembly and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Industries that Commonly Use It

- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Distributers & Resellers- Energy- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Sign & Display- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle

Special and Unique Features

- Primerless adhesion to many metals, most thermoplastics, and composites.- High strength and stiffness.- Excellent fatigue endurance.- Outstanding impact resistance.- Superior toughness.- Exceptional elongation, allowing for the bonding of dissimilar materials.- Excellent environmental resistance, including salt spray durability.- Excellent chemical resistance to hydrocarbons, salt solutions, acids (pH 3-10), and bases (pH 3-10).- MA832 GB version contains glass micro-beads for precise gap control and optimal bondline thickness.- Non-sagging gel consistency, suitable for various application methods.- Cures at room temperature.- Reduces labor and can eliminate the need for mechanical fasteners.

Key Properties

- **Chemistry:** Two-part Methacrylate (MMA) / Acrylic - Methacrylate- **Mix Ratio:** 10:1- **Color:** Gray- **Working Time:** 12-16 minutes (approximately 14 minutes)- **Fixture Time:** 50-60 minutes (approximately 55 minutes)- **Tensile Strength:** 2,700-3,000 psi (18.6 – 20.7 MPa)- **Shear Strength:** 2,000-2,800 psi (13.8 – 19.3 MPa)- **Tensile Elongation:** 30-60%- **Operating Temperature:** -40°F to +180°F (-40°C to 82°C)- **Gap Filling:** 1 to 12 mm- **Viscosity (Adhesive A):** 80,000-130,000 cP- **Viscosity (Activator B):** 35,000-80,000 cP- **Shelf Life:** Adhesive (Part A) 13 months, Activator (Part B) 10 months (at 12°C - 23°C)

Surface Compatibility

- **Metals:** Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, Powder-coated metals, E-coated metals, Ferrite, Ceramic.- **Thermoplastics:** ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPU, Styrenics.- **Composites:** DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, Carbon, Polyester, Vinyl Esters.- Can be used in conjunction with Urethanes.

Known backups / known substitutes

- Infinity Bond MMA 832 Impact Resistant Methacrylate Adhesive.- Other Plexus MMA adhesives such as MA300, MA310, MA420, MA425, MA530, MA590, MA830, MA920, MA2045, MA2090, MA205HV, and MA8210.- General Methyl Methacrylate Adhesives (MMAs) from other manufacturers like H.B. Fuller and IFS Industries.- Epoxies and Polyurethanes are often considered alternatives, though Plexus MA832 offers distinct advantages.

Comparison Note

Plexus MA832 provides a unique combination of high strength, excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness, often achieving primer-free adhesion on many substrates. Unlike traditional glues, it forms strong chemical bonds with plastics, composites, and metals, distributing stress evenly and potentially eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners. Compared to some other structural adhesives like two-part epoxies, MMAs do not require heat to cure and can tolerate slightly oily, unclean, or uneven surfaces, which reduces prep time and cost. It also develops strength faster, allowing for quicker part handling and assembly.