Nano Grade Adhesives - Advanced Adhesives for the Aerospace, Electronics and Oil and Chemical Processing Industries

The future of technology is a decidedly bright one, with engineers involved in a perpetual effort of advanced scientific research and development. Perhaps the most promising yield of this labor has been nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a revolutionary approach to conventional sciences so powerful in its potential, that it is expected to transcend industrial barriers and positively affect all walks of life.

Pursuant to these developments, Master Bond has invested in the production of an advanced line of nano grade adhesives. Boasting outstanding performance properties, confidence is high that these systems will develop a strong reputation as the absolute solutions for the high demands of nano applications.

Adhesives for the Aerospace Industry

It is anticipated that the design and implementation of advanced nanotechnologies will bring a major revolution to the aerospace industry in the near future. Nano-engineering for the aerospace industry is particularly noteworthy because of the unique benefits which the aerospace industry stands to receive from such advancements. The ability for smaller and lighter solutions which simultaneously maximize crucial characteristics such as strength and heat resistance would be extraordinarily beneficial to aerospace design.

Benefits of Nanotechnology for Aircraft Design

Benefits of Nanotechnology for Aircraft Design include:

• Efficiency - Lighter materials will reduce aircraft weight and in extension cost of use
• Performance - High strength materials for reliable structural performance
• Safety - Highly flexible materials for impact resistance, will withstand potential damage while protecting passengers

Structural Applications

The remarkable performance properties of nano engineered materials make them particularly appropriate for structural applications in aerospace design. The lightweight aspect of nanomaterials in particular will allow for decreased fuel consumption, an integral variable when it comes to aerospace manufacturing. This consideration, coupled with the high strength, high heat and chemical resistance, and highly flexible properties typical of nano engineered materials, and it is no question that nanotechnology is the future of structural design in aerospace applications for the 21st century.

Electronic Applications

The study of nanotechnologies incorporation into electronic devices for aerospace applications is an exceptional enterprise already bearing fruit. Electronic devices are a uniquely inviting application of nanotechnology because of the ability nanotechnology offers to increase storage capabilities while decreasing memory mass, an essential variable for efficient memory storage. In addition, the general volatility of the aerospace climate augments the need for highly advanced electronic solutions, capable of uncompromised performance.

Engine Applications

Aircraft engine efficiency will inevitably benefit from nano materials whose unique characteristics allow for high temperature exposure. This heat resistant property of nano materials also makes them suitable as thermal barrier coatings in a variety of high end aerospace applications

With an Eye on the Future

With the introduction of nanotechnology and its practical benefits, engineers are paying closer attention to the realistic value in the design and development of what has always been a fantastic science fictional thesis. In its simplest description, a space elevator would involve the development of a fixed cable for the transportation of material and eventually people to outer space. This cable would be held in place on earth, with a counter mass in orbit maintaining necessary tension. The main issue which had always been in the way of serious development was the lack of a suitable cable material that was light weight and able to withstand the enormous stresses such an application would entail. However, in light of the recent advancements of nanotechnology, more specifically, the development of carbon nano tubes, engineers feel that this issue has been resolved.

Some of the possible future applications are given below:

Adhesives for the Oil and Chemical Processing Industry

It is no question that oil and chemical processing applications are exposed to some of the harshest conditions around. Perhaps this is the catalyst behind the attention that has been given as of late to nanotechnology and its potential value in the oil and chemical processing sector. In light of these developments, Master Bond has applied a fresh perspective to adhesive design. This effort has certainly paid off, and yielded the development of a new, innovative line of advanced adhesive solutions custom formulated for highly reliable performances in the trying conditions typically found in chemical processing applications.

Some practical benefits of Nano engineered materials are given below:

• Superior wear, toughness, and corrosion resistance
• Highly flexible – will absorb much stress without giving in
• High temperature resistance- will allow for confident employment in high heat environments

Specific Master Bond compounds currently available exhibit resistance to the following:

Focus on Innovation – New Line of Heat Resistant Adhesives for Nano Applications Thrive in Harsh Conditions of Oil and Chemical Processing

Master Bond Inc. has developed an impressive array of high performance, high temperature resistant epoxy and silicone compositions for service up to temperatures as high as 600°F. They include high strength structural adhesives which retain good physical strength properties even after prolonged exposure to unfavorable environmental conditions in the 400-600°F temperature range. Both one and two component compositions are available with a wide range of curing conditions so as to best meet specific service requirements.

Possible future oil & chemical applications may include the following:

Master Bond UV22: One Component, UV Curable, Highly Nanosilica Reinforced Epoxy System

Master Bond Polymer System UV22 represents a remarkable technological breakthrough in the utilization of nanotechnology in the formulation of a one component UV curable epoxy for coating, sealing, and encapsulation applications. This nanosilica filled system features superior physical properties, enhanced abrasion resistance, excellent optical clarity along with significantly reduced shrinkage after curing. The performance properties of UV22 surpass those of similar non-reinforced systems by as much as 50-90%. The cycloaliphatic epoxy resin phase offers superior chemical and physical properties together with improved light stability. The silica phase is comprised of surface modified synthetic silicon dioxide nanospheres of very small size (<50nm) and with a very narrow particle size distribution. Despite the remarkably high percentage of nano particles present in the UV22, it still retains high transparency and a desirably low viscosity without sedimentation. This is due to the stability of the agglomerate-free colloidal dispersion of the reinforcing nanosilica particles in the resin phase.

UV22 cures rapidly using light sources emitting a wavelength with 250-365nm with an energy output of as little as 20-40 milliwatts/cm2 with higher output facilitating a faster cure. It can cure within 5-10 seconds with proper UV curing lamps. The shrinkage upon cure is less than 2%. UV22 can be used over the wide temperature range of -60 to 300°F and will cure in thicknesses up to 1/8th of an inch. Additionally, UV22 has excellent electrical insulation properties, and the viscosity of the UV22 system is adjustable to meet specific requirements.

Custom Formulated Adhesives

The many potential applications of nano grade adhesives make for a very complex selection process; one requiring much research of all relevant considerations. It is for this reason that Master Bond Inc. offers custom formulated solutions, tailor made products possessing the specific properties necessary for successful employment. Regardless of the application requirements, adhesive formulations may be adjusted to possess all required characteristics. The unique line of Master Bond, nano grade systems may be formulated to withstand the stresses of any industrial application, including extreme temperatures, thermal cycling and shock, mechanical forces, vibration, and chemical exposure. Special systems meet NASA requirements for low outgassing, and additional systems display superior resistance to dangerous chemicals and abrasives, an imperative for chemical processing applications. Specific properties such as viscosity, flexibility, and bond strength are incorporated based on specific application, maximizing system compatibility and performance.

Conclusion

The Master Bond line of nano optic grade adhesive formulations consists of epoxies, silicones, polyurethanes, acrylics and latex solutions. They include low outgassing, thermally conductive and high temperature resistant systems. Significant investments of research and development serve to ensure optimal performance of the Master Bond product line, regardless of application. Master Bond provides innovative solutions to the sometimes troublesome processing issues which may arise in nanotechnological applications. Be it a critical aerospace application, or a harsh processing environment, anything is possible.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Master Bond Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Master Bond Inc.