Di-isocyanates are hazardous materials. Even short-term exposure to these compounds without the proper protection can be very harmful to health. For this reason, their use is subject to strict regulations, such as those specified in Annex XVII of REACH.
On 4th August 2020, the EU adopted a new restriction on the use of diisocyanates in Entry 74 of REACH. This new ruling affects both professional and industrial users of diisocyanates. It stipulates that as of 24th August this year (2023), users must undertake adequate training before they can work with these compounds. If you’re in the UK, you might be thinking, “We left the EU, so how does this apply to me?” Well, as the UK was still in the EU when REACH came about, it now has its own version of the agreement with much the same guidelines.
These new rules and mandatory training mean many product manufacturers are looking to source less hazardous materials to use in their production processes. Why not, rather than opting for a polyurethane adhesive for your next foaming application, choose a different adhesive technology instead?
Here at Permabond, we have safer alternatives for your foaming adhesive needs. For example, our MT3827 modified two-part foaming epoxy is an excellent choice. It foams during curing and is particularly suited to bonding & sealing lightweight composites for things such as camper vans and caravans. Permabond MT3827 has excellent adhesion to polycarbonate, ABS, nylon, and other plastics, as well as a variety of metals. It provides great impact and vibration resistance, is thermally insulating, and, very importantly, has a much lower hazard rating than adhesives containing diisocyanates.
Our MT3827 foaming adhesive
Another great option is Permabond ET5442, a two-component, thermally conductive, fire-retardant, low-density epoxy resin foam. This adhesive has been specifically developed for the encapsulation of battery cells in EV battery modules. It also works wonders for filling around other types of batteries and other electronics. ET5442 provides the additional benefit of keeping parts as lightweight as possible. The cured product has been designed to meet the fire retardancy requirements of UL94-V1, allowing for greater safety and overall peace of mind.
So, the next time you’re in need of a foaming adhesive without di-isocyanate content, look no further than Permabond! We have solutions to meet your requirements. We are available should you need technical support – feel free to contact us on 01962 711661 or at help.europe@permabond.com.
