Permabond adhesives: The complete product range at a glance
Permabond is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial adhesives – from cyanoacrylates and structural epoxides to anaerobic adhesives. Since developing the original Eastman 910 (the first commercially available superglue), the company has specialized in high-performance bonding solutions for demanding industrial applications. This guide introduces key Permabond products, compares them to Loctite alternatives, and helps you determine which adhesive is best suited to your application.
Permabond: The company
Permabond Engineering Adhesives was founded in the 1950s and originated with the development of Eastman 910 – the very first commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive. Today, the company, headquartered in the USA with manufacturing facilities in the UK, the USA, and Asia, produces a comprehensive range of:
- Cyanoacrylate adhesives (superglue) – standard, toughened and high temperature
- Structural epoxy adhesives – 1K heat-curing and 2K room temperature
- Anaerobic adhesives – threadlocker, shaft-hub, flange gasket
- Structural acrylate adhesives (MMA) – for dissimilar material bonds
- Primers and activators – for difficult substrates
Unlike Henkel (Loctite), Permabond is a pure adhesive specialist with no consumer products. Its focus is exclusively on industrial and engineering applications. SILITECH AG is the official distributor for Permabond in Switzerland.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives (superglue)
Cyanoacrylates are one-component adhesives that cure within seconds upon contact with atmospheric moisture. Permabond offers various formulations for different requirements – from the universal standard type to the patented high-temperature cyanoacrylate.
Permabond 105 – Universal cyanoacrylate
Permabond 105 is a low-viscosity ethyl cyanoacrylate for fast, high-strength bonding on metals, plastics, rubber and many other materials.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | Ethyl cyanoacrylate, low viscosity |
| Color | Colorless |
| viscosity | 20–50 mPa·s (cP) |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| Fixing time | 5–10 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 20-25 N/mm² (2,900-3,600 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 18–22 N/mm² |
| Shear strength (rubber) | 15–20 N/mm² |
| Temperature range | -54 °C to +82 °C |
| hardness | 80–85 Shore D |
Applications: Universal instant bonding in assembly, electronics, rubber-to-metal bonding, and plastics bonding. Particularly suitable for tight fits thanks to its low viscosity (capillary penetration).
Loctite comparison: Equivalent to Loctite 401 or Loctite 495. All three are ethyl cyanoacrylates with similar performance (~3,000 psi shear strength). The choice depends primarily on availability and price.
Permabond 731 – Tough-modified cyanoacrylate (clear)
Permabond 731 combines instant bonding with increased impact and peel strength – ideal when standard cyanoacrylates are too brittle.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | Tough-modified cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Crystal clear |
| viscosity | 150 mPa·s |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| Fixing time | 30 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 24-30 N/mm² (3,500-4,400 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 13–15 N/mm² |
| peel strength | 40–60 N/25 mm |
| Impact resistance | 5–10 kJ/m² |
| hardness | 85 Shore D |
| Dielectric strength | 25 kV/mm |
| Temperature range | -54 °C to +120 °C |
Applications: Transparent bonding with impact loads, flexible substrates, rubber-metal connections, electronics assembly where optical clarity is required.
Loctite comparison: It competes with Loctite 4860 (flexible) and Loctite 480 (toughened, black). Permabond 731 is the clear alternative in this category – Loctite 480 is black.
Permabond 737 – Tough-modified cyanoacrylate (black)
The black version with higher viscosity is for larger gaps and applications where a black adhesive joint is acceptable or desired.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | Tough-modified cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Black |
| viscosity | 3,000 mPa s (highly viscous, gap-filling) |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.51 mm |
| Fixing time | 15 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 19-23 N/mm² (2,800-3,300 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 13–15 N/mm² |
| Tensile strength | 25 N/mm² |
| peel strength | 40–60 N/25 mm |
| Impact resistance | 5–10 kJ/m² |
| hardness | 85 Shore D |
| Temperature range | -54 °C to +120 °C |
Applications: Gap-filling bonding on plastics, rubber, steel, and aluminum. Fastest setting time (15 s) in the toughened series.
Loctite comparison: Direct competitor to Loctite 480 (black, toughened). The 737 offers better gap bridging (0.51 mm vs. typically 0.25 mm for Loctite 480) and a faster setting time.
Permabond 825 – High-temperature cyanoacrylate (200 °C)
Permabond 825 is a breakthrough in cyanoacrylate technology: a superglue that continuous temperatures up to 200 °C – without post-curing. This patented formulation is unique on the market.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | Modified ethyl cyanoacrylate (patented) |
| Color | Clear |
| viscosity | Low (capillary-capable) |
| Shear strength (steel) | 15-20 N/mm² (2,175-2,900 psi) |
| Temperature range | -55 °C to +200 °C (continuous operation) |
| Thermal aging | Approximately 80% residual strength after 1,000 hours at 180°C |
| Post-curing | Not required |
Why the 825 is unique: Conventional cyanoacrylates fail at 80–120 °C. Allyl cyanoacrylates reach higher temperatures but require complex thermal post-curing. The Permabond 825 utilizes a patented modified ethyl cyanoacrylate technology and achieves a continuous operating temperature of 200 °C – without any post-curing step. This is unique in the industry.
Applications: Electronics assembly, electric motor manufacturing, e-mobility/battery technology, automotive under-hood components, aerospace. Suitable for stoving enamel and wave soldering processes.
Loctite comparison: No direct Loctite equivalent exists. Standard Loctite cyanoacrylates reach a maximum of 80–120 °C. Loctite HY 4090 (2K hybrid) reaches 150 °C, but is a two-component product. Permabond 825 is unrivaled in this respect.
Structural epoxy adhesives
For maximum strength and durability, Permabond offers one- and two-component epoxy systems – from food-grade formulations to high-temperature composite adhesives.
Permabond ET5162 – Food-grade 2-component epoxy
The ET5162 is a two-component epoxy adhesive with FDA and EU 10/2011 approval for food contact – combined with temperature resistance up to 120 °C.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | 2-component epoxy, food-safe |
| Color | Whitish to cream-colored |
| Mixing ratio | 1:1 |
| Shear strength (steel) | 25-30 N/mm² (3,600-4,400 psi) |
| hardness | 80–90 Shore D |
| Temperature resistance | Up to 120 °C (vs. 80 °C for standard 2K epoxies) |
| Potting time | ~1 hour |
| Curing | Room temperature (72 h full) or 60 °C (1 h) |
| Approvals | FDA 21 CFR 175.105, EU Regulation 10/2011 |
Applications: Food and beverage industry, catering equipment, stainless steel bonding, industrial filter assembly (mesh screens, pleated filter bonding) – wherever regulatory compliance for food contact is required.
Substrates: Stainless steel, aluminum, composites, certain plastics, ceramics.
Loctite comparison: No direct equivalent with combined FDA and EU 10/2011 approval and simultaneous 120°C temperature resistance. This is a niche strength of Permabond.
Permabond ES5681 – 1K heat-curing epoxy
A one-component, heat-curing epoxy adhesive specifically for bonding fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP, GFRP) and metals – with the option of induction curing in under 2 minutes.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | 1K heat-curing epoxy, composite grade |
| Color | Black |
| viscosity | 40,000–60,000 mPa s (thixotropic paste) |
| density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.5 mm |
| Shear strength (steel) | 30–35 MPa (4,350–5,100 psi) |
| Shear strength (CFRP) | 18–22 MPa |
| Shear strength (GFRP/epoxy) | 14–16 MPa |
| Hardening | 30 min at 135 °C (oven) or <2 min induction |
| Temperature range | -40 °C to +250 °C |
Main advantage: In addition to oven curing, curing via induction (, heating plate, infrared lamp or hot air gun) is possible – maximum flexibility in production.
Applications: Carbon fiber and GRP/CFRP composite bonding, heat exchangers, tool bonding, conveyor belt wear tips, bicycle frames, heat sink bonding. Excellent impact and vibration resistance.
Loctite comparison: It competes with Loctite EA 9394 and similar 1K heat-curing aerospace epoxies. However, the induction curing capability and 250°C temperature resistance of the ES5681 are unique.
Permabond ET5422 – 2K structural epoxy (toughened)
The ET5422 is a two-component, toughened, high-performance structural adhesive with second-generation core-shell rubber technology. It delivers a combination of shear, peel, and impact strength that is at the top of its class.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | 2K toughened epoxy (Core-Shell-Rubber 2nd Gen.) |
| Color | Off-white (A) / Blue (B) |
| Mixing ratio | 2:1 by volume (100:44 by weight) |
| Viscosity (A) | 105,000 mPa·s, thixotropic |
| Viscosity (B) | 100,000 mPa·s, thixotropic |
| Gap bridging | Up to 5 mm |
| Potting time | ~3 hours |
| Handling resistance | 16 hours at RT |
| Full curing | 5 days at 23 °C or 1 hour at 82 °C |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 30–40 N/mm² (4,350–5,800 psi) |
| Peel strength (aluminum, RT) | 320 N/25 mm (70 PIW) |
| Impact resistance | 20–30 kJ/m² |
| hardness | >80 Shore D |
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) | 115 °C |
Applications: Structural bonding in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Bonding of aluminum, carbon fiber, and composites. Replaces welding and mechanical fasteners. Thixotropic (non-sagging) for vertical and overhead bonding.
Loctite comparison: Competes with Loctite EA E-120HP and Loctite EA 9497. The 5,800 psi aluminum shear strength and 70 PIW peel strength of ET5422 are at the top of the structural epoxy class.
Primers and activators
Permabond POP – polyolefin primer
Permabond POP (Polyolefin Primer) is a solvent-based surface primer that enables the bonding of cyanoacrylates to otherwise almost non-bondable plastics.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| type | Solvent-based surface primer for cyanoacrylates |
| Color | Colorless liquid |
| viscosity | 0.6 mPa·s |
| Adhesive window | Up to 2 hours after application (for PTFE, it adheres immediately) |
| Full curing | 24 hours at 23 °C for maximum strength |
| storage | 5–25 °C |
Suitable substrates: PTFE (Teflon), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Silicone, FEP, PFA, ETFE, Acetal (POM), PBT, PMP, PPS, Polystyrene and certain polyurethane types.
Advantage: Cost-effective alternative to flame, corona, and plasma pretreatment. Works exclusively with cyanoacrylates (not with epoxies or UV adhesives).
Loctite comparison: Equivalent to Loctite SF 770 (polyolefin primer). Both enable CA bonding to polyolefins and PTFE.
Anaerobic adhesives: Permabond vs. Loctite cross-reference
In addition to cyanoacrylates and epoxies, Permabond offers a complete range of anaerobic adhesives for threadlocking, shaft-hub connections and flange gaskets – suitable alternatives to the best-known Loctite types:
| Application | Permabond | Loctite | strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screw locking (low) | LM113 | 222 | Low-profile, demountable |
| Threadlocker (medium) | MM115 | 242 | Medium, removable with hand tools |
| Threadlocker (oil tolerant) | A1042 | 243 | Medium, oil-tolerant |
| Screw locking (high) | HM118 | 262 | High heat for dissolving |
| high-strength threadlocker | HM128 | 271 | Very high |
| High-temperature threadlocker | HH131 | 272 | High, temperature resistant |
| Pipe and thread sealing | LH050 | 565 | Medium |
| Shaft-hub (standard) | A126 | 609 | Medium |
| Shaft-hub (high strength) | HM161 | 638/680 | High |
| Flange gasket | MH196 | 510 | Medium |
| Flange gasket (flexible) | MH199 | 518 | Medium, flexible |
Comparison overview: Permabond vs. Loctite specialty products
The following table summarizes the specialty products and shows where Permabond offers unique advantages:
| Permabond | type | Loctite equivalent | Permabond advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | CA, low viscosity | Loctite 401, 495 | Comparable, ~3,000 psi |
| 731 | CA, toughened, clear | Loctite 4860, 480 | Sure (Loctite 480 is black) |
| 737 | CA, toughened, black | Loctite 480 | Improved gap filling (0.51 mm) |
| 825 | CA, high temperature (200 °C) | No equivalent | Patented, unique on the market |
| ET5162 | 2-component epoxy, food-safe | No direct equivalent | FDA + EU 10/2011 + 120 °C |
| ES5681 | 1K heat-curing composites | Loctite EA 9394 | Induction hardening + 250 °C |
| ET5422 | 2K structural epoxy, toughened | Loctite EA E-120HP | 5,800 psi shear strength |
| POP | Polyolefin primer | Loctite SF 770 | Comparable |
Choosing the right Permabond adhesive
Four main criteria are crucial when selecting the right adhesive:
1. What materials are being glued together?
- Metal on metal: ET5422 (structural) or 105/731/737 (fast fixing)
- Plastic on plastic: 105 + POP Primer (for polyolefins)
- Composites (CFRP/GFRP): ES5681 (heat-cured) or ET5422 (RT-cured)
- Food contact: ET5162 (FDA/EU approved)
2. What is the temperature in the factory?
- Up to 82 °C: Permabond 105 (standard CA)
- Up to 120 °C: Permabond 731/737 (toughened) or ET5162 (epoxy)
- Up to 200 °C: Permabond 825 (only possible CA)
- Up to 250 °C: Permabond ES5681 (1K epoxy, heat-cured)
3. How quickly does the adhesive need to set?
- Seconds: CA series (105, 731, 737, 825)
- Minutes: Structural acrylates (TA4246: 1–2 min. fixing time)
- Hours: Epoxides (ET5162: 1 h at 60 °C; ET5422: 1 h at 82 °C)
4. What strength is required?
- Standard (~20 MPa): Permabond 105
- High (~30 MPa): Permabond ET5162, 731
- Very high (~35–40 MPa): Permabond ET5422, ES5681
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What distinguishes Permabond from Loctite?
Permabond is a specialist in industrial adhesives, while Loctite belongs to Henkel and also offers consumer products. In certain niche applications – particularly high-temperature cyanoacrylates (825) and food-grade epoxides (ET5162) – Permabond offers products for which there is no Loctite equivalent.
Can I switch from Loctite to Permabond?
In most cases, yes. Direct 1:1 cross-references exist for anaerobic adhesives and standard cyanoacrylates (see table above). For critical applications, we recommend validation testing under operating conditions. SILITECH supports you during product changeovers with sample deliveries and technical advice.
Where can I buy Permabond adhesives in Switzerland?
SILITECH AG is the official Permabond distributor in Switzerland. All products shown are available through our online shop or upon request. For project-specific advice and samples, please contact our technical team.
Is there a cyanoacrylate that is resistant to temperatures above 120 °C?
Yes – Permabond 825 is the only cyanoacrylate adhesive on the market that can withstand continuous operation at 200°C without requiring post-curing. This patented technology is unique and has no equivalent from Loctite, 3M, or other manufacturers.
What is the difference between Permabond 731 and 737?
Both are toughened cyanoacrylates with similar peel and impact strength. The 731 is crystal clear with medium viscosity (150 cP), while the 737 is black with high viscosity (3,000 cP). The 737 is better suited for larger gaps (0.51 mm) and sets faster (15 s vs. 30 s).
What do I need the Permabond POP Primer for?
The POP primer enables cyanoacrylate bonding on low surface energy plastics such as PP, PE, PTFE (Teflon), silicone, and acetal (POM). Without a primer, cyanoacrylates will not adhere to these materials. The POP is a cost-effective alternative to flame, corona, or plasma pretreatment.
