AB glue defoamer: invisible guardian, cracking the"foam crisis"in adhesives

AB glue defoamer: invisible guardian, cracking the "foam crisis" in adhesives

In industrial manufacturing and daily maintenance, AB glue (two-component adhesives such as epoxy resin glue and acrylate glue) is widely used due to its high strength and corrosion resistance. However, during the mixing, stirring or coating process, the bubbles generated in the AB glue may become an "invisible killer"-leading to a decrease in bonding strength, surface defects and even product scrapping. At this time, AB glue defoamer becomes the "secret weapon" to resolve this problem. This article will take you to understand the application scope, working principle and scientific use method of AB glue defoamer.

1. Why does AB glue "love to foam"?

AB glue is a mixture of component A (resin) and component B (curing agent). During the stirring or coating process, air is easily drawn into the colloid to form bubbles. In addition, the following factors will also aggravate foaming:

Chemical reaction exothermic: After the AB glue is mixed, a cross-linking reaction occurs, releasing heat to expand the colloid, and bubbles are difficult to escape.

Too high viscosity: High viscosity colloids have poor fluidity and bubbles are easily "trapped".

Construction environment: High temperature, high humidity or poorly ventilated environment will accelerate the generation of bubbles.

2. Application scope of AB glue defoamer

AB glue defoamer accelerates bubble rupture and escape by destroying the surface tension of bubbles, and is widely used in the following fields:

I. Electronic and electrical manufacturing

Application scenarios: circuit board packaging, electronic component bonding, LED lamp bead fixing, etc.

Pain point: bubbles will cause weak bonding, reduced insulation, and even cause short circuit.

Solution: Add defoamer to AB glue to ensure that the colloid is densely filled and improve product reliability.

II. Construction and home decoration

Application scenarios: stone bonding, tile seam beauty, glass curtain wall sealing, etc.

Pain point: bubbles affect the appearance, reduce the bonding strength, and may cause leakage or falling off.

Solution: Defoamer can eliminate tiny bubbles in the colloid and make the surface smooth and flat.

III. Automobile and aviation manufacturing

Application scenarios: body repair, component bonding, aviation composite material molding, etc.

Pain point: bubbles will weaken the structural strength and endanger safety.

Solution: High-strength AB glue with defoamer to ensure that there are no defects in the bonding area.

IV. Crafts and model making

Application scenarios: resin craft casting, model assembly, hand-made repair, etc.

Pain point: bubbles destroy the surface finish and affect the finished product effect.

Solution: Defoamer can improve the transparency of colloids and create flawless works.

V. Medical devices and biomaterials

Application scenarios: medical catheter bonding, prosthesis fixation, biosensor packaging, etc.

Pain point: bubbles may breed bacteria or affect biocompatibility.

Solution: Use food grade or medical grade defoamer to ensure safety and non-toxicity.

3. Principle of action of AB glue defoamer

Reduce surface tension: Defoamer molecules form a "monomolecule film" on the surface of bubbles, reduce the strength of the liquid film, and make the bubbles easy to break.

Penetration and displacement: The defoamer penetrates into the bubble liquid film, replaces the original surfactant, and accelerates the thinning of the liquid film.

Rapid diffusion: The defoamer disperses quickly in the colloid and continuously suppresses the generation of new bubbles.

4. How to scientifically select and use AB glue defoamers?

I. Selection points

Compatibility: Ensure that the defoamer is compatible with the resin and curing agent components of the AB glue to avoid stratification or failure.

Defoaming efficiency: Give priority to products with fast defoaming speed and long anti-foaming time.

Transparency: For transparent colloids (such as epoxy resin crafts), it is necessary to select defoamers that do not affect transparency.

Environmental protection: Give priority to environmentally friendly defoamers that are solvent-free and low in VOC (volatile organic compounds).

II. Usage method

Addition time: Add the defoamer after the AB glue is mixed and before curing, usually in batches during the stirring process.

Addition amount: Adjust according to the viscosity of the colloid and the severity of the bubbles, generally 0.1%-1% of the total amount of AB glue (excessive amount may cause colloid shrinkage or delayed curing).

Stirring method: Stir at a low speed (<300 rpm) to avoid introducing new bubbles, and the stirring time is 3-5 minutes.

Vacuum defoaming: For high-demand scenarios (such as optical devices), vacuum defoaming equipment can be used to further eliminate residual bubbles.

III. Precautions

Small sample test: Before large-scale use, the defoaming effect and the impact on the performance of the colloid need to be verified in a small sample.

Storage conditions: The defoamer needs to be sealed and kept away from light to prevent volatilization or deterioration.

Safety protection: Wear gloves and goggles during operation to avoid contact with skin or eyes.

IV. FAQ

Q1: Will the defoamer affect the curing speed or strength of AB glue?

A: Qualified defoamers will not significantly affect the curing speed or bonding strength, but they need to be verified through small sample testing.

Q2: How to determine whether the defoamer is ineffective?

A: If there are still a large number of bubbles remaining in the colloid, or the defoamer is stratified and precipitated, it may have expired.

Q3: Can detergent or laundry detergent be used instead of defoamer?

A: Not recommended! Ordinary detergents may contain surfactants, which will aggravate foaming and may react with colloids.

Conclusion

Although the AB glue defoamer is small, it is the "invisible guardian" that ensures the performance of the adhesive. From electronic components to building seals, from handicrafts to medical devices, its application runs through many fields of modern industry. By scientifically selecting and using defoamers, you can not only say goodbye to bubble troubles, but also improve product quality and reduce production costs. I hope this popular science article can help you "turn bubbles into safety" in the application of AB glue, so that every drop of colloid can play the maximum value!