Permabond Adhesives: The Complete Range at a Glance
Permabond is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial adhesives, ranging from cyanoacrylates to structural epoxies and anaerobic adhesives. Since the development of the original Eastman 910 (the first commercial instant adhesive), the company has specialized in high-performance bonding solutions for demanding industrial applications. This guide presents the key Permabond products, compares them with Loctite alternatives, and shows which adhesive is optimal for your application.
Permabond: The Company
Permabond Engineering Adhesives was founded in the 1950s and has its origins in the development of the Eastman 910, the very first commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive. Today, the company, headquartered in the USA with manufacturing facilities in Great Britain, the USA, and Asia, produces a comprehensive range of:
- Cyanoacrylate adhesives (instant adhesives), standard, toughened and high-temperature
- Structural Epoxy Adhesives: 1K heat-curing and 2K room temperature
- Anaerobic Adhesives: Threadlocking, Retaining, Flange Sealing
- Structural Acrylic Adhesives (MMA), for mixed-material bonding
- Primers and Activators: for difficult substrates
In contrast to Henkel (Loctite), Permabond is a pure adhesive specialist without consumer products. The focus is exclusively on industrial and engineering applications. SILITECH AG is the official distribution partner for Permabond in Switzerland.
Cyanoacrylate Adhesives (Instant Adhesives)
Cyanoacrylates are one-component adhesives that cure within seconds through exposure to atmospheric moisture. Permabond offers various formulations for different requirements, from universal standard types to patented high-temperature cyanoacrylates.
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.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Ethyl cyanoacrylate, low viscosity |
| Color | Colorless |
| Viscosity | 20 to 50 mPa·s (cP) |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| Fixture time | 5 to 10 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 20 to 25 N/mm² (2,900 to 3,600 psi) |
| Shear Strength (Aluminum) | 18 to 22 N/mm² |
| Shear strength (rubber) | 15 to 20 N/mm² |
| Temperature range | -54 °C to +82 °C |
| Hardness | 80 to 85 Shore D |
Applications: Universal instant bonding in assembly, electronics, rubber-to-metal bonds, plastic bonding. Particularly suitable for tight fits thanks to low viscosity (capillary penetration).
Loctite comparison: Corresponds 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: Toughened Cyanoacrylate (Clear)
Permabond 731 combines instant bonding with enhanced impact and peel strength, ideal when standard cyanoacrylates are too brittle.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Toughened cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Crystal clear |
| Viscosity | 150 mPa·s |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| Fixture time | 30 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 24 to 30 N/mm² (3'500 to 4'400 psi) |
| Shear Strength (Aluminum) | 13 to 15 N/mm² |
| Peel strength | 40 to 60 N/25 mm |
| Impact strength | 5 to 10 kJ/m² |
| Hardness | 85 Shore D |
| Dielectric strength | 25 kV/mm |
| Temperature range | -54 °C to +120 °C |
Applications: Transparent bonds under impact load, flexible substrates, rubber-to-metal bonds, electronics assembly where optical clarity is required.
Loctite Comparison: Competes with Loctite 4860 (flexible) and Loctite 480 (tough-modified, 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 for larger gaps and applications where a black bond line is acceptable or desired.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Toughened cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Black |
| Viscosity | 3,000 mPa·s (high viscosity, gap-filling) |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.51 mm |
| Fixture time | 15 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 19 to 23 N/mm² (2'800 to 3'300 psi) |
| Shear Strength (Aluminum) | 13 to 15 N/mm² |
| Tensile Strength | 25 N/mm² |
| Peel strength | 40 to 60 N/25 mm |
| Impact strength | 5 to 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 fixture time (15 s) in the toughened range.
Loctite Comparison: Direct competitor to Loctite 480 (black, toughened). The 737 offers better gap filling (0.51 mm vs. typically 0.25 mm for Loctite 480) and a faster fixture time.
Permabond 825: High-temperature cyanoacrylate (200 °C)
Permabond 825 is a breakthrough in cyanoacrylate technology: a super glue that withstands continuous temperatures up to 200 °C without post-curing. This patented formulation is unique on the market.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Modified ethyl cyanoacrylate (patented) |
| Color | Clear |
| Viscosity | Low (capillary) |
| Shear strength (steel) | 15 to 20 N/mm² (2'175 to 2'900 psi) |
| Temperature range | -55 °C to +200 °C (continuous operation) |
| Thermal aging | ~80% residual strength after 1,000 h at 180 °C |
| Post-curing | Not required |
Why the 825 is unique: Conventional cyanoacrylates fail at 80 to 120 °C. Allyl cyanoacrylates achieve higher temperatures but require complex thermal post-curing. Permabond 825 utilizes 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-the-hood, aerospace. Suitable for stoving lacquer and wave soldering processes.
Loctite Comparison: No direct Loctite equivalent available. Standard Loctite cyanoacrylates reach a maximum of 80 to 120 °C. Loctite HY 4090 (2K hybrid) reaches 150 °C but is two-component. Permabond 825 is unrivaled here.
Structural Epoxy Adhesives
For maximum strength and durability, Permabond offers one- and two-component epoxy systems, ranging from food-grade formulations to high-temperature composite adhesives.
Permabond ET5162: Food-Grade 2K Epoxy
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.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 2K epoxy, food-grade |
| Color | Whitish to cream-colored |
| Mixing ratio | 1:1 |
| Shear strength (steel) | 25 to 30 N/mm² (3,600 to 4,400 psi) |
| Hardness | 80 to 90 Shore D |
| Temperature resistance | Up to 120 °C (vs. 80 °C for standard 2K epoxies) |
| Pot life | ~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, 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 while also offering 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.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 1K Heat-Curing Epoxy, Composites Grade |
| Color | Black |
| Viscosity | 40,000 to 60,000 mPa·s (thixotropic paste) |
| Density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Gap bridging | Max. 0.5 mm |
| Shear strength (steel) | 30 to 35 MPa (4,350 to 5,100 psi) |
| Shear strength (CFRP) | 18 to 22 MPa |
| Shear Strength (GFRP/Epoxy) | 14 to 16 MPa |
| Curing | 30 min at 135 °C (oven) or <2 min induction |
| Temperature range | -40 °C to +250 °C |
Key advantage: In addition to oven curing, curing via induction (, hot plate, infrared lamp, or hot air gun is possible, offering 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: Competes with Loctite EA 9394 and similar 1K heat-curing aerospace epoxies. However, the induction curing and 250 °C temperature resistance of the ES5681 are unique.
Permabond ET5422: 2K Structural Epoxy (Toughness-Modified)
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.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | 2K toughened epoxy (2nd gen core-shell rubber) |
| 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 |
| Pot life | ~3 hours |
| Handling strength | 16 hours at RT |
| Full cure | 5 days at 23 °C or 1 h at 82 °C |
| Shear Strength (Aluminum) | 30 to 40 N/mm² (4,350 to 5,800 psi) |
| Peel Strength (Aluminum, RT) | 320 N/25 mm (70 PIW) |
| Impact strength | 20 to 30 kJ/m² |
| Hardness | >80 Shore D |
| Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) | 115 °C |
Applications: Structural bonding in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Aluminum bonding, carbon fiber, composites. Replaces welding and mechanical fasteners. Thixotropic (non-sag) for vertical and overhead bonding.
Loctite Comparison: Competes with Loctite EA E-120HP and Loctite EA 9497. The ET5422's 5,800 psi aluminum shear strength and 70 PIW peel strength 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 nearly unbondable plastics.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Solvent-based surface primer for cyanoacrylates |
| Color | Colorless liquid |
| Viscosity | 0.6 mPa·s |
| Bonding window | Up to 2 hours after application (bond immediately on PTFE) |
| Full cure | 24 hours at 23 °C for maximum strength |
| Storage | 5 to 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: Corresponds to Loctite SF 770 (polyolefin primer). Both enable CA bonding on 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 sealing, providing suitable alternatives to the most well-known Loctite types:
| Application | Permabond | Loctite | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threadlocking (Low) | LM113 | 222 | Low, disassemblable |
| Threadlocking (Medium) | MM115 | 242 | Medium, removable with hand tools |
| Threadlocking (oil-tolerant) | A1042 | 243 | Medium, oil-tolerant |
| Threadlocking (high strength) | HM118 | 262 | High, heat required for disassembly |
| Threadlocking (high strength) | HM128 | 271 | Very high |
| Threadlocking (High Temperature) | 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 sealant (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 | Clear (Loctite 480 is black) |
| 737 | CA, toughened, black | Loctite 480 | Better gap filling (0.51 mm) |
| 825 | CA, High Temperature (200 °C) | No equivalent | Patented, unique on the market |
| ET5162 | 2K epoxy, food-grade | No direct equivalent | FDA + EU 10/2011 + 120 °C |
| ES5681 | 1K heat-curing, composites | Loctite EA 9394 | Induction curing + 250 °C |
| ET5422 | 2K Structural Epoxy, Tough-Modified | Loctite EA E-120HP | 5,800 psi shear strength |
| POP | Polyolefin primer | Loctite SF 770 | Comparable |
Choosing the Right Permabond Adhesive
When selecting the right adhesive, four main criteria are decisive:
1. Which materials are being bonded?
- Metal to metal: ET5422 (structural) or 105/731/737 (fast fixturing)
- Plastic to plastic: 105 + POP primer (for polyolefins)
- Composites (CFRP/GRP): ES5681 (heat-cured) or ET5422 (RT-cured)
- Food contact: ET5162 (FDA/EU approved)
2. What temperature is present in operation?
- 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 must the bond fix?
- Seconds: CA series (105, 731, 737, 825)
- Minutes: structural acrylates (TA4246: 1 to 2 min. fixture time)
- Hours: Epoxies (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 to 40 MPa): Permabond ET5422, ES5681
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What distinguishes Permabond from Loctite?
Permabond is a pure industrial adhesive specialist, while Loctite belongs to Henkel and also offers consumer products. In certain niches, especially high-temperature cyanoacrylates (825) and food-grade epoxies (ET5162), Permabond offers products for which there is no Loctite equivalent.
Can I switch from Loctite to Permabond?
In most cases, yes. For anaerobic adhesives and standard cyanoacrylates, direct 1:1 cross-references exist (see table above). For critical applications, we recommend a validation test under operating conditions. SILITECH supports you in product conversion with sample deliveries and technical advice.
Where can I buy Permabond adhesives in Switzerland?
SILITECH AG is the official Permabond distribution partner in Switzerland. All products presented 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 withstands temperatures above 120 °C?
Yes, the Permabond 825 is the only cyanoacrylate on the market that withstands 200 °C in continuous operation 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), the 737 is black with high viscosity (3'000 cP). The 737 is better suited for larger gaps (0.51 mm) and cures 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 the primer, cyanoacrylates will not adhere to these materials. POP is a cost-effective alternative to flame, corona, or plasma pretreatment.
