ELASTOSIL^® AUX G 800

Surfaces to be primed have to be dry and free from grease, oil, wax, dust, rust or other contaminants. The surface should be cleaned, e.g. with a non-polar solvent such as mineral spirits (boiling range between 80 °C and 140 °C), followed by a polar solvent, such as acetone. Very smooth surfaces may be roughened by grinding. In case of metals the substrate should be given several hours time to regenerate its oxygen layer before applying the primer. Loose particles must be removed.

The primer may be applied directly or in diluted form with a variety of application methods (e.g. coating, dipping, brushing
or spraying). The resulting primer layer should be as thin as possible. Usually the best results can be achieved with a primer
layer between 1 an 10 μm thickness, corresponding to a coating weight of 5 to 50 g/m². If the primer needs to be diluted,
organic solvents like white spirits or ISOPAR® E can be used in a ratio of 1:1 - 1:10.

Evaporation of the solvent should be done at ambient temperature. The formation of a consistent primer film which firmly adheres to the substrate requires a certain atmospheric humidity. Higher or lower humidity will reduce or prolong the necessary reaction time. As a guiding value an evaporation or drying time of 1 – 2 h at ambient temperature and 40 % relative humidity should be applied, to allow for a formation of a consistent primer film. In some cases the adhesion can be improved by heating the primered substrate at 100 – 150 °C for up to one hour after evaporation of the solvent at room temperature. Tests should be performed if special conditions are needed.

The silicone rubber should be applied to the primed surface soon after the drying or heating process, if possible. It is recommended that this is done not later than approximately 5 hours after priming the substrate. Otherwise a drop in adhesive strength may occur. Prior to the application of the silicone rubber, the primed surface has to be kept free of contaminations.

Important
Initial adhesion directly after vulcanization of the rubber will in many cases be high already. In some cases, however, initial adhesion will be sufficient for handling the composite while maximum adhesive strength will only be achieved after about 4 days. For HCR silicone rubber annealing after vulcanization is recommended according to the respective rubber technical data. ELASTOSIL® AUX PRIMERS are sensitive towards humidity. In contact with moisture the liquid primer becomes turbid and the adhesive strength of the primer is impaired. The ELASTOSIL® AUX PRIMERS should therefore be stored in a sealed container after usage.

For detailed information, refer to brochures on www.wacker.com.