Talk Composites - The Forum for Advanced Composites

skinning / plastic

http://www.talkcomposites.com/Topic22469.aspx

By easby - 12/21/2016 12:25:26 PM

Hi, this may of been talked about but not come across it yet so easier to ask.
What do you guys recommend or do to make sure carbon does not delaminate from plastic ie bumpers?
I have read a lot about making sure surface has a good key and using blade to put deep cuts in etc but just thought I would ask someone may have other ideas I have not seen yet. Thanks Andy
By Matt (Staff) - 12/21/2016 3:48:31 PM

Hi Andy,

It really depends on the type of plastic you're bonding to. The bond of epoxy to ABS can be improved by flame-treating the ABS. I'd recommend running some trials through because often no much prep is necessary to result in a good bond. However, there are some *really* difficult to bond to plastics which epoxy simply won't touch (think polypropylene, polyethylene) which would either need some very specialist priming or to be avoided altogether.

Most plastic car trim parts I've seen recently actually say what plastic they're made from as part of the markings on the injection moulding.

I hope this helps,

Matt