ARALDITE 2019 Structural Adhesive: A Reliable Solution for High-Performance Composites

ARALDITE® 2019 Structural Adhesive, developed by Huntsman Advanced Materials, is a revolutionary product designed for high-strength composite bonding. Widely used in global industries, it excels in strength, toughness, and durability. This article details the product features, company background, applications, and technical data for comprehensive understanding.

ARALDITE® 2019 is a two-component epoxy adhesive paste, comprising Component A (black paste) and Component B (yellowish paste). When mixed, it forms a black paste with high viscosity and thixotropic properties. Initially engineered for composites, especially carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), it also bonds various metals, ceramics, and common substrates.

Key features include:

• Very high lap shear strength (>25 MPa at 23°C)
• Temperature resistance up to 284°F (140°C)
• Exceptional toughness and resilience

The adhesive contains spacers to ensure a minimum bond line thickness of 0.05 mm, optimizing joint strength. Density is approximately 1.1 g/cm³, with viscosity being thixotropic at 25°C. The pot life after mixing is 100-120 minutes, facilitating easy handling.

Pretreatment is critical for bond integrity. The document emphasizes thorough cleaning of surfaces using degreasing agents like acetone or isopropanol to remove oil and dirt, avoiding low-grade alcohols or petrol. Optimal pretreatment involves mechanical abrasion or chemical etching followed by degreasing, significantly enhancing durability. Mix ratio by weight is A:B = 100:43, or by volume 100:50. Mixing should be homogeneous, and Huntsman recommends cartridges with mixers for direct application.

Curing is vital for performance. ARALDITE® 2019 solidifies at room temperature but requires elevated temperature curing for optimal properties.

Suggested curing schedules include:

• 16 hours at 40°C + 1 hour at 80°C
• 3 hours at 80°C
• 1 hour at 130°C
• 30 minutes at 150°C

At 23°C, curing to >10 MPa lap shear strength takes about 6 hours. For bond lines below 0.5 mm, assembly must occur within 60 minutes; otherwise, within 30 minutes. Even pressure ensures uniform cure. Post-cure, mechanical properties are excellent, e.g., tensile strength 40 MPa, flexural modulus 1,500 MPa, and Shore D hardness 75.

Lap shear strength data is a highlight. Tests per ISO 4587 used aluminum strips (114x25x1.6 mm) with sandblasting and degreasing. After curing at 16 hours 40°C + 1 hour 80°C, average strength exceeded 25 MPa at 23°C. Temperature impacts strength, with high heat causing decline, but stability remains high.

Environmental durability tests show ARALDITE® 2019 excels in various media. After immersion in water, oil, or chemicals for 30-90 days at 23°C, shear strength remains stable. Heat ageing (e.g., 25 cycles from -30°C to 70°C) results in minimal degradation. Tropical weathering (40°C, 92% RH) also confirms long-term reliability.

Huntsman Advanced Materials is a global leader in chemicals, with a mission to "Enrich lives through innovation." Focusing on high-performance materials, ARALDITE® is its flagship brand for aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas (10003 Woodloch Forest Dr), it operates an Advanced Technology Center (8600 Gosling Rd.) for global support. Emphasizing innovation and quality, products undergo rigorous testing to meet international standards. Sales are governed by general terms, with Huntsman warranting conformity to specifications. Users must consult Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for compliance.

The core role of ARALDITE® 2019 is to provide high-strength, durable bonding for composites, metals, and plastics. In CFRP bonding, it reduces mechanical fasteners, lowering weight and enhancing structural integrity.

Practical uses include:

• Automotive parts (e.g., body panels)
• Aerospace components (e.g., wing repairs)
• Electronic enclosures

High toughness prevents cracking under vibration or impact, while resilience accommodates thermal expansion. For instance, in metal-metal or plastic-plastic lap joints, it achieves long-term shear strength >20 MPa, outperforming conventional adhesives. Pretreatment and curing guidelines maximize performance—e.g., sandblasting and degreasing can boost aluminum bond strength by 30%.

Economically, ARALDITE® 2019 cuts production time and costs. Long pot life enables bulk processing, with metering equipment (Huntsman-recommended) improving efficiency. Maintenance is simple: tools should be cleaned with acetone before curing, avoiding skin contact. Storage requires sealed containers at 2-40°C, with a 3-year shelf life away from sunlight.

ARALDITE® 2019 embodies Huntsman's innovative spirit, offering a reliable, efficient solution for industrial bonding. Its strength, environmental resilience, and usability make it ideal for the composite era. Users should follow TDS and SDS for best results. Through ongoing innovation, Huntsman drives advancements in materials science.