Polycarbonate is a modern plastic material with many beneficial properties, namely its high optical clarity, and great durability. It is visually similar to glass, but thirty times more impact-resistant, making it as strong as some metals. Consequently, there are many use cases for polycarbonate, such as a replacement for security windows, or tiny non-conductive parts for machinery.
Regular solvents won’t adhere to polycarbonate. In fact, standard household glues may cause polycarbonate to undergo “crazing,” which occurs when chemicals break down the polymer’s microscopic bonds, causing small, crack-like streaks. While this won’t damage the polycarbonate significantly, it will create an unseemly appearance.
Thankfully, there are many effective methods for gluing, or fusing, polycarbonate plastic. Gluing and fusing are not exactly the same, however. While glues leave an adhesive behind, fusing causes a chemical reaction that allows the polycarbonate to melt back together. This is similar to the processes used to glue acrylic plastic.
Each of these bonding and fusing agents have different chemical properties, which may be ideal for different use cases. Let’s go over four common methods used to repair, bond, or fuse polycarbonate plastic. Continue reading Which Glues Work for Polycarbonate Plastic
