How to Glue Polyethylene

Polyethylene is virtually indestructable and difficult to glue.

Most glue comes in polyethylene bottles so your choices are limited. Both low-density (LDPE) and high-density (HDPE) polyethylenes are usually welded together with a machine called a hot air welder which melts a polyethylene welding rod between the two pieces of polyethylene you want to join. Some contact cements that come in metal, not polyethylene, cans will glue two pieces of polyethylene together. The best selling of these are Weld On 600 made by the IPS Corporation and the 3M Corporation's Blue 72 Spray Adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Water or dilute solutions of water and ammonia or vinegar
• Cotton cloth
• Contact cement

Instructions

1. Clean both polyethylene surfaces you intend to glue with water or dilute solutions of water and ammonia or vinegar. Wipe the surfaces dry with a cotton cloth.

2. Coat both surfaces you intend to glue together with contact cement following the directions on the contact cement packaging. Most contact cements brush on but some spray on.

3. Press the surfaces together after the contact adhesive appears to dry. Most contact cements should dry for 10 minutes before you press the surfaces together. Follow the instructions on the contact cement packaging. Allow the contact cement to cure for at least 30 minutes.

References

• Technology Student; "Adhesives for Plastics"; V. Ryan, 2008
• IPS Corporation; "Weld On 600"
• ACF Components & Fasteners, Inc.; "3M Aerosol Adhesives"
• Ridout Plastics; "Polyethylene Adhesives & Glue"