Structural acrylics cure by free-radical reaction of methacrylate monomers once resin and initiator meet, usually in 1:1 or 10:1 ratio. They tolerate light oil on metal, bond many plastics and composites without priming, and combine high strength with good peel and impact. Downsides are a strong odor, flammable monomer, a sharp exotherm in thick beads and a short open time on fast grades.
Switch the panel bonding to the structural acrylic, it takes oily steel without the solvent wipe.
Thick beads of fast acrylic can boil from their own heat, so on big gaps pick a slower grade rather than adding more adhesive.
Also heard as
- acrylic adhesive
- methacrylate adhesive
Related terms
MMA
Methyl methacrylate, the monomer behind most structural acrylic adhesives and the shorthand name for them.
Epoxy
A thermoset adhesive cured by reacting epoxy resin with a hardener, the benchmark for strong, rigid structural bonds.
Exotherm
The heat released by a curing adhesive, which speeds the reaction and can overheat thick masses.
Mix ratio
The proportion of resin to hardener in a two-part adhesive, given by volume or by weight.