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.)
Add new comment
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