Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

[sgtmac1]

I was wondering what glue to use when bonding styrene to fiberglass? Two part epoxy, super glue? I am adding details and deck surfaces to my 1/48th scale fleet boat and would like to have solid joints after gluing...

[Guest]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

My favourite glue is modified acrylics. These are available in several different brands and formulas.

One that should be easy for you to find, and works well is Devcon Plastic Welder.

[petn7]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

I would not use superglue as it eventually fails under constant water exposure. If you use a two part epoxy, try to find one that cures in the longest amount of time, such as JB Weld (I love that stuff). I could be wrong, but I don't know of a solvent type of adhesive that would work between styrene and fiberglass, therefore whatever you use will mechanically/structurally "adhere" to the styrene and fiberglass (and plenty of roughing up of the surfaces will be needed).

[Guest]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

The modified acrylics I mentioned act like a solvent and also like an epoxy adhesive, which is why they're so strong.

They actually etch into the surface of the plastic slightly, unlike epoxy.

[petn7]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

The modified acrylics I mentioned act like a solvent and also like an epoxy adhesive, which is why they're so strong.

They actually etch into the surface of the plastic slightly, unlike epoxy.

It etches into the fiberglass and styrene?

[Guest]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

It etches into the styrene. I haven't observed it doing the same to fibreglass, and would be doubtful it would bearing in mind they are thermoset resins, however it produces an extremely strong bond with those substrates.

[JWLaRue]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

I'd make sure to rough up the fiberglass surface before gluing. That'll give it some 'tooth' to allow a mechanical bond.

-Jeff

[Guest]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

You should do that with any glue.

[JWLaRue]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

In general, yes. My point was that with the modified acrylic mentioned, I thought it was important to note that while the etching quality of the adhesive would take care of the styrene (as you mentioned), the fiberglass would really need a good mechanical bond....and hence the roughening up.

-Jeff

[sgtmac1]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

Here are some of the adhesives I have purchased locally. Does any one have a favorite of any of these and can they explain to this newb why they like its characteristics?
Thanks for your help...

[Guest]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

Looks like you've bought a glue shop!

The Devcon plastic welder is all you really need. If you use epoxy, make sure it's the slow curing versions, quick cure epoxies don't stand up well to being submerged in water. I like JB weld- very strong and sands well and Araldite Precision which is a bit more flexible. The Loctite Marine looks like a similar product, just badged for the U.S market.

Fibreglass resin will be polyester resin. Can be used for bonding items into polyester hulls, but should be used in conjection with some fibre reinforcement if you want good strength.

The solvent weld glue is handy for bonding thermoplastics, and is especially neat when glueing clear plastic parts, although watch out for fogging.

Don't know much about gorilla glue. It's PU based I believe.

[petn7]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

I've had limited experience with Gorilla Glue, but haven't liked it; doesn't seem to stick well to anything non-porous. It also expanded when curing.

I love JB Weld. It truly is water proof and adheres fairly well to non-porous surfaces, as long as they're roughed up before gluing. It works best when you can make a "mechanical bond" with the JB Weld. However, I don't know if it would be the ideal glue for your application.

[bob_eissler]

Re: Gluing styrene to fiberglass?

Gorilla glue sucks, don't use it. Goop and silicone RTV have their uses, might work for deck planking. I used black RTV to semi-permanently hold photo-etch decks down with great results. Just use a sharp knife to remove it for access and reapply the RTV and reattach the deck when done. There are some waterproof super-glues that have their uses for other areas of the sub. JB weld is usually very hard, has lots of uses, but not flexible enough for styrene to fiberglass joining