There are dozens of different adhesives from which you can choose for your projects. How do you decide which one is right for you? Today, we want to take an in-depth look at one of the most versatile types of two-component adhesives: methyl methacrylate adhesives, or MMA adhesives.

First, we need to define two-component adhesives. This is a fairly simple concept; two-component adhesives are systems that maintain their storage stability by separating the reactive components. This means that these adhesives are stored as “resin” and “hardener” components in separate containers to maintain their uncured state until application.

The curing of these components begins immediately once they are mixed, so it is crucial for the components to remain separate until they are applied to the substrates to be joined. The ratio of the components is also essential for the proper cure time and final strength of the joint. Improper ratios can lead to a slower setting time or an overall weaker joint after curing.

Methyl methacrylate adhesives are a unique type of two-component adhesive that provides faster strength build-up than the others. MMA adhesives are also much less sensitive to variations in the mix ratio and can cure effectively with a wider range of mix ratios. Depending on the project at hand, the cure time can be adjusted through variations in the mix ratios to allow for slower or faster reaction rates.

Interestingly, MMA adhesives can operate under different processing conditions than other two-component adhesives. Besides the standard application methods (twin cartridges, direct addition of hardener to resin, etc.), the separate components of MMA adhesives can be applied separately to one of the substrates. This application method is ideal for projects in which an ideal mix ratio would be difficult to achieve, and it allows for the use of fast curing adhesives that would otherwise have much too short a work life if the resin and hardener were mixed before being applied to the substrate.

MMA adhesives are ideal for bonding plastics to each other, as well as bonding metals to plastics. Traditionally, these adhesives are widely used in the automotive industry and rail car manufacturing. In recent years, MMA adhesives have also proven beneficial for bonding magnets in the production of loudspeakers as well as in bonding yachts, canoes, kayaks, and deck liners. These adhesives are ideal for such applications because they are fairly insensitive to surfaces that contain a certain amount of oil or grease.

Chemical Concepts stocks a wide variety of MMA adhesives for you convenience, such as the Ultralok 310 Structural Methacrylate adhesive or the Plexus MA300 Methacrylate adhesive. Not sure which adhesive is right for your project? Our representatives are here to help! Give us a call, toll-free, at 1-800-220-1966 or send us an email at sales@chemical-concepts.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

*Please Note* DO NOT LEAVE OUTSIDE IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES —IN TRUCKS/VEHICLES OVERNIGHT— • Seaming Glues—C20—C30 • Lord 200 or 400 Series • Signlok • Chem-Set 633