For high-speed production lines assembling plastics, rubber, or metals, Permabond 240 is a high-viscosity cyanoacrylate that fills gaps up to 0.4 mm and prevents rapid absorption on porous substrates. It polymerises quickly when pressed into a thin film between parts, utilising surface moisture to develop handling strength in 15 to 20 seconds without mixing or heat curing.
Permabond 240 is a 100% reactive, solvent-free ethyl cyanoacrylate. Its high viscosity (1,200 to 2,500 mPa.s) prevents the adhesive from running off components or soaking immediately into porous materials, ensuring enough adhesive remains in the joint to bridge gaps. The single-part formula polymerises when compressed, achieving high shear strength on metals like steel, aluminium, and zinc, as well as plastics including ABS and PVC. For existing military designs, the formulation is approved to MIL-A-46050C Type II Class 3.
This adhesive is formulated for bonding porous substrates, rubber, plastics, and metals. Compatible substrates include:
To prevent premature failure and ensure rapid polymerisation, follow these application steps:
Yes, Permabond 240 is specifically designed for porous substrates. Its high viscosity (1200-2500 mPa.s) helps prevent excessive absorption into the material, ensuring a strong, reliable bond.
Permabond 240 can effectively fill gaps up to 0.4 mm. This higher gap-filling capability distinguishes it from lower viscosity instant adhesives, reducing the risk of bond failure in applications with less-than-perfect joint fit.
Fixture time is typically 15-20 seconds on steel, Buna N rubber, and phenolic. Full strength develops within 24 hours. Be aware that larger gaps or acidic surfaces can slow the cure.
Yes, store Permabond 240 between 2°C and 7°C. Allow the adhesive to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation, which can reduce its shelf life.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly with moderate gaps | Handles up to 0.4 mm gaps, preventing bond failure where thinner CAs would struggle. High viscosity maintains material presence in the joint. | Manufacturing, fabrication, industrial maintenance |
| Bonding porous materials | High viscosity (1200-2500 mPa.s) reduces absorption into substrates, ensuring more adhesive remains at the bond line for strength. | Sign makers, model makers, product assembly |
| Rapid bonding of plastics, rubber & metals | Achieves handling strength in 15-20 seconds on common substrates, streamlining production and assembly processes. | Electronics assembly, automotive repair, general trade workshops |
| General industrial adhesive tasks | 100% reactive ethyl cyanoacrylate chemistry provides strong, solvent-free bonds. MIL-A-46050C approved for existing designs. | Engineers, maintenance technicians, general industrial users |
Warning: Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach of children.
Wear protective gloves (category III, e.g., nitrile), protective clothing (long-sleeved overalls), safety footwear, and airtight protective goggles (EN 166). If exposure limits are exceeded, use a mask with a type A filter or self-contained breathing apparatus.
Ensure the workplace is well-aired with effective local aspiration. Use respiratory protection devices if technical measures are insufficient to limit exposure.
Store in the original container, sealed, in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. Keep containers away from incompatible materials such as water, alcohol, and amines. Store between 2°C and 7°C; allow to reach room temperature before opening to prevent condensation. Dispose of waste via an authorised firm according to national and local regulations.
Proper surface preparation is crucial for reliable adhesive performance and to prevent bond failure. Follow these guidelines for optimal results.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and grease-free. Use a suitable solvent like acetone or isopropanol for degreasing.
Primer: Not required for most common plastics, rubber, and metals.
Surface prep: Degrease as above. Light abrasion with emery cloth can help remove the oxide layer, promoting better adhesion.
Primer: Not required.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean and dry. The higher viscosity of Permabond 240 is formulated to manage porous materials.
Primer: For difficult or highly porous surfaces, a Permabond activator is recommended to ensure optimal cure speed and bond development.
Surface prep: Degrease. These low surface energy plastics are challenging to bond.
Primer: Required. Prime first with Permabond Polyolefin Primer (POP) to achieve a bond.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Ethyl cyanoacrylate |
| Appearance | Colourless |
| Viscosity at 25°C | 1200-2500 mPa.s |
| Specific Gravity | 1.1 |
| Maximum Gap Fill | 0.4 mm |
| Fixture Handling Time (Steel) | 15-20 seconds |
| Fixture Handling Time (Buna N Rubber) | 15-20 seconds |
| Fixture Handling Time (Phenolic) | 15-20 seconds |
| Full Strength Cure Time | 24 hours |
| Shear Strength (Steel, ISO4587) | 21-25 N/mm² (3000-3600 psi) |
| Shear Strength (Aluminium, ISO4587) | 8-9 N/mm² (1200-1300 psi) |
| Shear Strength (Zinc, ISO4587) | 10 N/mm² (1450 psi) |
| Shear Strength (ABS, ISO4587) | >8 N/mm² (1200 psi) (Substrate Failure) |
| Shear Strength (PVC, ISO4587) | >11 N/mm² (1600 psi) (Substrate Failure) |
| Shear Strength (PC, ISO4587) | >5 N/mm² (700 psi) (Substrate Failure) |
| Shear Strength (Phenolic, ISO4587) | 14 N/mm² (2000 psi) |
| Impact Strength (ASTM D-950) | 3-5 kJ/m² (1.4-2.4 ft-lb/in²) |
| Dielectric Constant at 10kHz | 2.5 |
| Dielectric Strength | 25 kV/mm |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 90 x 10⁻⁶ mm/mm/°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity | 0.1 W/(m.K) |
| Hardness (ISO868) | 85 Shore D |
| Minimum Service Temperature | -55°C |
| Flash Point | 83 °C |
| Boiling Point | > 100 °C |
| Dynamic Viscosity (23°C) | ~ 2000 mPa.s |
| Vapour Pressure (25°C) | 0.6 mBar |
| Density | 1.1 |
Here are some common examples on where Permabond 240 used by our customers.
