IBEX 365 News

2021 IBEX Innovation Award Interview with Sika

News Date: July 25, 2022

Adekit A236

Adekit® A236 is a high-performance alternative to conventional structural bonding products in deck to hull, stringer, and bulkhead to hull applications. It is a zero odor, low exotherm, and 1:1 Polyurethane structural adhesive. Offered in two open times, a builder has the option of a 25 min and 120 min version.

What problem does this product solve?
A236 has little to no exotherm (chemical heat release) so it eliminates gelcoat rework and minimizes part damage as compared to working with highly exothermic bonding materials like MMA and polyesters. In some applications, the need for secondary tabbing is eliminated and it has no odor, a common complaint when working with adhesives.

How did you become aware of this problem?
“The industry is always seeking ways to lower VOC emissions and minimize bonding material odor,” says Brent Schubring of Sika. “A236 solves both issues and brings added value as well.”

What audience is this product designed to reach?
A236 is best for large composite bonding applications that can be found throughout the marine industry including deck-to-hull, stringer and grid bonding, and bulkhead tabbing.

What is noteworthy about the technology used?
A236 maintains extremely low exotherm temps (15-20F above ambient) without sacrificing product performance or assembly integrity. Conventional composite bonding materials are inherently rigid, bordering on brittle. Lap shear test studies, regardless of the bonding product used for assembling conventional laminates/resins, predictably fail at a certain point. But due to its elasticity, A236 absorbs energy under stress allowing the bonded joint to live longer before failure.

How is it different from any other solution on the market?
A236 has no VOC, no odor, and a low tensile modulus which means it’s less brittle than traditional bonding materials. In fact, it outperforms other adhesives with three times the elongation.

What obstacles did you encounter in the R&D process?
“We had to create the right chemistry to have adequate green strength to meet high production volumes,” adds Schubring. “We also had to address sagging properties to ensure the product didn’t puddle or run.”

What customizations are available to personalize this product?
We currently offer two open times for boat builders that need either a fast or slow open time depending on their build process. Adekit A236 is available in 25- or 120-minute open time.

How has the product been received?
Adekit A236 has been received well because it solves some key manufacturing problems. We’re working with OEMs to challenge traditional building processes.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Sika Marine is a premier manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, tooling, and composite solutions within the OEM and aftermarket segments. We supply polyurethanes, silicones, 2-C methyl methacrylates (MMA), and 2-C structural polyurethanes. We also supply highly formulated epoxy resin systems, extrudable epoxy modeling pastes, polyester filling, and fairing compounds, epoxy fairing compounds, and tooling boards.

For more information about the 2021 IBEX Innovation Award winners, click here.