In a significant development for the marine industry, Scott Bader’s Crestabond primer-less methacrylate adhesives have received approval from DNV-GL, a leading classification society in the maritime sector. This approval marks a milestone, affirming the suitability of Crestabond adhesives for structural bonding applications in FRP boatbuilding. Let’s delve into the details of this achievement and what it means for the maritime industry.

Approval by DNV-GL and Lloyd’s Register:

DNV-GL’s endorsement, coupled with approval from Lloyd’s Register, another esteemed classification society in the maritime sector, reaffirms the quality and performance of Crestabond adhesives. Specifically, two grades, Crestabond M1-30 and M1-60, have been designated as ‘Duromeric’ adhesives, indicating their suitability for joining components in marine applications. These adhesives have met stringent test criteria, demonstrating their capabilities within operational limits and for specific substrates, as recognized by both classification societies.

Properties and Capabilities:

Crestabond M1-30 and M1-60 are toughened, two-component 10:1 primer-less acrylic adhesives, developed by Scott Bader to meet the demanding requirements of structural bonding in composites, thermoplastics, and metals. These adhesives offer a range of impressive properties, including excellent impact, peel, shear, compressive strength, and fatigue resistance. Notably, they exhibit compatibility with key base materials such as aluminum, glass fiber-reinforced polyester resins, and epoxy resins.

Flexible Working Times:

One of the key advantages of Crestabond adhesives is their flexibility in working and fixture times, catering to different assembly requirements. Crestabond M1-30 provides a working time of 25-35 minutes and a fixture time of 60-80 minutes, while Crestabond M1-60 offers a longer working time of up to 70 minutes and a fixture time of 150-180 minutes. These options ensure optimal bonding performance for various assembly complexities.

Ease of Use and Cost Efficiency:

As primer-less adhesives, Crestabond grades eliminate the need for extensive surface cleaning and preparation, streamlining the production process and reducing overall costs. Additionally, the availability of different packaging options further enhances shop floor efficiency and cost control. Crestabond M1-30 is supplied in pre-packed 400ml co-axial cartridges, 18kg plastic pails, or 180kg drums, catering to both manual and bulk dispensing systems. Similarly, Crestabond M1-60 is offered in 825ml side by side cartridges, providing convenient options for different application scenarios.

The DNV-GL approval of Crestabond adhesives signifies a significant advancement in the maritime industry, underlining their reliability and performance in structural bonding applications. With their exceptional properties, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, Crestabond adhesives are poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency and durability in marine construction projects.