Aqueous silane bonding for gaskets and seals

Historically, rubber-to-metal bonding technology has been a challenge based on the integration of dissimilar materials into a highly engineered component for aerospace, automotive, industrial and medical applications. The component manufacturer has the ultimate responsibility to design, develop and implement the proper chemistry from rigid substrates to the rubber, forming a fully functional component that meets an ever increasingly demanding application. This paper will lay out a general methodology for the component designer and manufacturer to utilize their internal resources, suppliers (adhesive, rigid substrate, pre-treatment chemicals/process, rubber compound development) and trouble-shooting processes in a more efficient manner. How to utilize this methodology in the development of a water-based silane rubber-to-metal bonding agent for a seal and gasket market opportunity will be the focus of this dis- cussion.