Araldite sticks bicycle wheels together

. The monocoque wheel body, alloy rim band and alloy hub are all bonded together using Araldite 2011, from Huntsman Advanced Materials. Gerald Possarnig, general manager of Xentis, said: “In racing conditions, our wheels are subject to high stresses and it was vital we sourced a bonding method that could cope under these extremes. The properties of Araldite 2011 adhesives mean the intrinsic strength of the wheel is improved and the performance of the bike increased.” He added: “The low curing temperature was perfect and means the manufacturing process is much easier and less strenuous on the structure of the wheels.” (BLOB) Huntsman will take part in two three-year European research projects for aeronautics and space applications as part of the 6th European Framework Programme. PreCarBi (Pre-impregnated Carbon Binder Yarn Pre-form Composites) is a E4million project, led by Cranfield University and fibre manufacturer Toho Tenax. It aims to develop new materials and a manufacturing process for advanced composites that merge the benefits of pre-pregging and liquid composite moulding technologies using pre-impregnated binder yarns. Huntsman’s role is to develop a new toughened resin system suitable for infusion that is compatible with the polymer binder. ABiTAS (Advanced Bonding Technologies for Aircraft Substructures), a E5 million project led by Airbus Germany, addresses structural paste adhesive bonding, surface pre-treatments for Titanium and CFRP, automation, and processing. Huntsman will manage a sub-group of the consortium to develop new chemistries for use in structural paste adhesives. Huntsman Advanced Materials Jeep uses glue on front end Dow Automotive’s Betamate low energy substrate adhesive (Lesa) will be used in the front-end carriers of two Dodge vehicles this year – the 2007 Dodge Nitro and 2007 Jeep Wrangler. The front-end carriers, designed and manufactured by Decoma International, used the adhesive to ensure greater design flexibility, weight reduction and streamlined manufacturing techniques. “In the traditional assembly of hybrid front-end carriers, the metal reinforcement is attached to the plastic using mechanical techniques such as rivets, heat stakes or over-moulding,” said Dave Recktenwald, plastic bonding market development manager at Dow Automotive. “Using Betamate, the metal reinforcements and plastic parts can be optimised for reduction of part thickness, resulting in significant weight savings and improved structural performance.” The adhesive will bond long-glass filled polypropylene and e-coated steel with no pre-treatment or primers, claims the company. Bonding at high temperature Bonding ceramic parts to other materials such as metal or glass is often a problem because of intense heat and high electrical current. Eurobond Adhesives’ Cerastil range of high temperature ceramic adhesives can be used for a wide range of electrical assembly applications. Cerastil H-115, for example, is an electrically insulating ceramic potting compound that is often used to pot and coat electrical resistors, thermocouples, transformers, seal ends of capacitors, and cement insulators and flame ignitors to metals, glass, and other ceramics. It prevents vibration loosening of components that have been potted in the cement. The ceramic compound is resistant to thermal shock and can withstand rapid heating or cooling. The cured cement has a high density and low porosity. It has low permeability to gases, even at very high temperatures. Molten metals such as copper, solder, and flux will not stick to it. It is supplied as a single-component dry white powder that is mixed with water. The compound sets by chemical reaction, forming an almost impervious ceramic within 24 hours. When dry, it can be brought to any temperature up to 1,538°C. The compound does not contain asbestos or other fibres. It has high thermal conductivity and adheres strongly to metals, ceramics, glass, and some plastics.