flexiblefullpage - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
Currently Reading

Cross-Linking: A New Glue

Advertisement
billboard -
News

Cross-Linking: A New Glue

'Hyper glue' formula may increase the strength and corrosion resistance in materials typically held together by adhesives


By By Kaitlin Schuler February 4, 2020
new research into alternative to commercial adhesive

Researchers from two Canadian universities hope to increase the strength and corrosion resistance capabilities of everything from protective clothing, to medical implants, to residential plumbing, thanks to a newly-developed 'hyper glue' formula.

The team of researchers from the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus (UBC) and the University of Victoria (UVic)  have discovered a method of bonding plastics and synthetic fibers at the molecular level in a procedure called cross-linking, which occurs when the adhesive is exposed to heat or long-wave UV light. This creates strong connections that are both impact-resistant and corrosion-resistant, even with a minimal amount of cross-linking.

According to Abbas Milani, director of UBC's Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute, and the lead researcher at the Okanagan node of the Composite Research Network, this 'hyper glue' is especially effective in high-density polyethylene—an important plastic used in applications such as bottles, piping, and plastic lumber. "In fact, commercially available glues didn't work at all on these materials," he says, "making our discovery an impressive foundation for a wide range of important uses."

One of those uses could change the game for remodelers and builders alike. "Imagine paints that never peel or waterproof coatings that never need to be resealed," says Milani. "We're even starting to think about using it as a way to bond lots of different plastic types together, which is a major challenge in the recycling of plastics and their composites."

The hyper glue formula may not be ready for commercial application in construction yet, but it's always worth keeping an eye on new tech.

(For more information, check out the original press release from UBC Okanagan.)


written by

Kaitlin Schuler

Kaitlin Schuler is the special projects editor for Pro Remodeler. 


Add new comment

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
leaderboard2 - default

Related Stories

Registration Open for The Pinnacle Experience 2024

Register today for The Pinnacle Experience 2024 in Baltimore from June 26-28. Join the best and brightest in home improvement and remodeling for insight, advice, and relationship-building that will help you take your business to new heights.

Marvin Releases Switchable Privacy Glass Window

The privacy glass windows can be purchased from Marvin's Direct Glaze windows

Gas Ban in New Construction Considered by Chicago

The mayor-backed ordinance would impact all new construction

Working Toward Affordable, Resilient Homes

A new natural disaster protection act from NAHB aims to support hazard mitigation projects

The Remodeling Market Could Turn in Q4, Says Harvard

Repair and remodeling spending could see an uptick at the end of the year

Seattle Contractor Finds Grenade During Remodel

Polar Bear Construction Owner Vadim Kharkhavyy and the owner were equally shocked

New Independent Contractor Rule Faces Lawsuit

The Department of Labor submitted new criterion to judge when classifying workers

New Insulation Innovation Reshapes Our Thinking of Refrigeration

Whirlpool Corporation's latest innovation allows refrigerators to do more and be more

Jericho Home Improvements CEO Killed in Kansas City

John Bartrom founded the largest independent kitchen and bath remodeling company in the country

DC Attorney General Sues Multi-state Remodeler Curbio

A recent lawsuit filed alleges false promises made by contractor Curbio

Advertisement
boombox2 -
Advertisement
halfpage2 -
Advertisement
native1 -

More in Category




Advertisement
native2 -
Advertisement
halfpage1 -
Advertisement
leaderboard1 -