Weld-On has been the industry leader in solvent cement manufacturing for over seven decades. When you mention PVC glue or PVC adhesive to a long-time Weld-On employee, don’t be surprised if they correct you and say Weld-On produces high-quality solvent cement, not PVC glue. Even though the terms are used interchangeably in the industry, there is a big difference between solvent cement and adhesives.
The Differences Between Solvent Cement and Glue
There are many types of glue. The most popular is Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) glue, which is popular with woodworking, crafts and construction because it is water-based, dries clear and is safe to use. Its main ingredient is polyvinyl acetate resin, which means it can be easily diluted in water and is easy to clean up or removed if it’s still wet. Other popular glues, like super glue, epoxy and hot glue, are extremely effective in many situations; however, they are not designed for PVC piping applications.
Why Solvent Cement is not PVC Glue or PVC Adhesive
The basic function of glue is to attach two surfaces together, like wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics. When two surfaces are glued, they are connected together by the superficial properties of the glue. The glue’s strength comes from the ingredients within it, but it has a lot of limitations depending on the type of glue used and the surfaces it connects.
The opposite is the case when bonding PVC joints with solvent cement. There are many types of uses for CPVC, PVC or PVC-U pipe, including pool and spa installation, transporting water for irrigation purposes, or moving corrosive chemicals safely. It is critical to ensure strength and dependability of the PVC welded pipe to prevent unnecessary damage, protect people and equipment from hazardous materials or ensure the safe delivery of water to a destination. PVC joint failure is never an option.
How Solvent Cement Works
When solvent cement is applied to the surface of the PVC pipe or PVC fitting, it softens or loosens the surface at a molecular level. The solvent unravels the interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) on the surface, which, on a molecular level, looks similar to cooked spaghetti. Before the solvent cement is applied, the spaghetti molecules are tightly locked together, similar to cooked spaghetti that has been in a freezer. When the solvent cement is applied to PVC pipes and PVC fittings, the molecules become loosened. When pressed together and allowed to cure, the molecules get tangled with each other, which is called IPN entanglement, creating a bond much stronger than glue. Many tests have been conducted to test the failure point of solvent cement joints using air, water pressure and lap shear tests, and the results are the same. The entanglement bond produced by solvent cement results in a bond far superior to glue but even stronger than the pipe.
The next time you hear an employee say Weld-On produces premium solvent cement, not PVC glue or PVC adhesives, you’ll understand why. For more information about Weld-On products, go to www.WeldOn.com.
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Weld-On training and support staff are available to answer any questions about products or solvent welding techniques. To talk to a real person, call our technical hotline at 1-877-477-8327, email us at training@weldon.com or connect at www.weldon.com/technical-training, to schedule free training.
About Weld-On
Weld-On Adhesives, Inc., a subsidiary of IPS Corporation, is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of Weld-On® solvent cements, primers and cleaners for PVC, CPVC, ABS and other plastic piping systems. Weld-On products are globally recognized as the premium products for joining plastic pipes and fittings. Headquartered in California, Weld-On has state-of-the-art operations throughout the United States, as well as China, and a worldwide network of sales representatives and distributors.