Gluing Hypalon and Rubber with Industrial Glues

As Irelands best known glue company, our glues are used for all aspects of watercraft repair, especially the repair of inflatable ribs, constructed with Hypalon^® and Neoprene^®

With resistance to most chemicals, temperature extremes, ultraviolet light, and oil, both Hypalon^® and Neoprene^® have proven to be one of the miracle plastic materials. Hypalon is what is known as sulphonated polyethylene is used in a wide range of industrial and automotive applications where high performance is critical. Neoprene^® is technically known as polychloroprene, and offers extreme resistance to UV light and water.

Hypalon/Neoprene bonding, are commonly found in the manufacture and repair of inflatable boats, and adhesive systems for these materials form one of the cornerstones of our business. Through our supply partners, Alpha Adhesives, we offer a range of adhesive solutions for repairing tears, rips, and holes in inflatables.

There is a relatively easy way to repair a hole in Hypalon/Neoprene. First of all, cut the repair patch extending 50 mm from all sides of the damaged area. Make sure to round the corners of the patch, a square cornered patches are more likely to catch and peel than rounded ones! Trace the area of the patch on the damaged surface with a marker. Next, using a 180 grit sandpaper, lightly buff the whole bond area, this includes both the damaged area on the rib and the back of the repair patch. The patch should look like a dulled version of the normal rib surface.

Next comes the adhesive……..

After the surfaces (both damaged area on the rib the underside of the repair patch) have been thoroughly dried from the cleaning step, next comes the adhesive. Alpha Adhesives S5001 is the most well known adhesive for repairing these materials. S5001 is a two component adhesive. Part A, the adhesive, is mixed with Part B, the crosslinking agent.

The S5001 adhesive is decanted into a clean paint tin. The mix ratio is 100g of adhesive (Part A), mixed with 6g of the crosslinking agent (Part B). The adhesive is next stirred by hand for about two minutes. Of course, large amounts of adhesive can be mixed, however, the ration is always the same, 100 parts glue to 6 parts crosslinking agent. The materials are measured by weight, not volume.

Next, apply a very thin layer of the mixed S5001 onto both the damaged rib area, and the repair patch. This can be done using a stiff brush.

After the first layer of adhesive is tack free, apply  a second layer of adhesive to both surfaces. You can test how tacky the adhesive is with a gloved finger or by touching knuckles to the glued area. The glue should feel very slightly soft, but should not stick to the gloved finger or knuckle. Do not use bare fingertip to test for tackiness. Fingers contain oils that will be left behind and effect the bonding quality of a repair job.

Next, join the two surfaces together. Be careful with this step! Make sure to place the patch in the correct area. Alpha S5001 is an industrial contact adhesive, therefore, once the surfaces have contacted each other, they cannot be moved! Do not place the patch directly onto the damaged area, rather, apply it in the same way as wallpaper is applied, start at one edge and with uniform pressure, roll the patch onto the damaged area.

Finally, using a small rubber roller, apply pressure in all directions. Optimally, the repaired rib should not be placed in water until 48 hours after the repair job has been completed.

In using contact adhesives, the most common complaint, is when the glue covered surfaces are brought together too quickly. The solvents within the glue, become trapped and are unable to escape through the non porous rubber materials. The glue must be tack free before the materials are brought together. Trapped solvent will only lead to deficient bond strength.

Our technical services department are always available for immediate advice!

S5001 adhesive is stocked in 4.275 ml tins. The S5001B crosslinking agent is stocked in handy 170 ml bottles. Next day delivery if ordered before 12 noon.