Sikaflex®-552
Assembly adhesive with reduced substrate preparation
Sikaflex®-552 is a high-performance elastic gap-filling 1-component Silane Terminated Polymer (STP). It is suitable for bonding various materials and in many cases adheres with limited surface preparation.
- Bonds well to a wide variety of substrates with minimal pre-treatment
- Capable of withstanding dynamic stresses
- Isocyanate- and solvent-free
- Can be painted
- Good aging and weathering resistance
- Non-corrosive
- Silicone- and PVC-free
PRODUCT BENEFITS
- Bonds well to a wide variety of substrates with minimal pre-treatment
- Capable of withstanding dynamic stresses
- Isocyanate- and solvent-free
- Can be painted
- Good aging and weathering resistance
- Non-corrosive
- Silicone- and PVC-free
Usage
Sikaflex®-552 is suitable for joints that will be subjected to dynamic stresses. Suitable substrate materials are metals, particularly aluminium (including anodized components), sheet steel (including phosphated, chromated and zinc-plated components), ceramic materials and plastics. Seek manufacturer’s advice and perform tests on original substrates before using Sikaflex®-552 on materials prone to stress cracking.Sikaflex®-552 is suitable for experienced professional users only. Tests with actual substrates and conditions have to be performed ensuring adhesion and material compatibility.
Packaging
| Cartridge | 300 ml |
| Unipack | 600 ml |
| Drum | 195 l |
Product Details
| Chemical base | Silane Terminated Polymer | |
| Color (CQP001-1) | White, black | |
| Cure mechanism | Moisture-curing | |
| Density (uncured) | depending on color | 1.46 kg/l (12.2 lb/gal) |
| Non-sag properties | Good | |
| Application temperature | ambient | 5 ─ 40 °C (41 ─ 104 °F) |
| Skin time (CQP019-1) | 40 minutes A | |
| Open time (CQP526-1) | 30 minutes A | |
| Curing speed (CQP049-1) | See diagram 1 | |
| Shrinkage (CQP014-1) | 2 % | |
| Shore A hardness (CQP023-1 / ISO 48-4) | 60 | |
| Tensile strength (CQP036-1 / ISO 527) | 3 MPa (430 psi) | |
| Elongation at break (CQP036-1 / ISO 527) | 300 % | |
| Tear propagation resistance (CQP045-1 / ISO 34) | 10 N/mm (55 pli) | |
| Tensile lap-shear strength (CQP046-1 / ISO 4587) | 2 MPa (290 psi) | |
| Service temperature (CQP509-1 / CQP513-1) |
4 hours 1 hour | -50 - 90 °C (-58 ─ 194 °F) 140 °C (284 °F) 150 °C (302 °F) |
| Shelf life | cartridge / unipack drum | 12 months B 9 months B |
| CQP = Corporate Quality Procedure | A) 23 °C (73 °F) / 50 % r. h. | B) storage below 25 °C (77 °F) |
CURE MECHANISM
Sikaflex®-552 cures by reaction with atmospheric moisture. At low temperatures the water content of the air is generally lower and the curing reaction proceeds somewhat slower (see diagram 1).
Diagram 1: Curing speed for Sikaflex®-552
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Sikaflex®-552 is generally resistant to fresh water, seawater, diluted acids and diluted caustic solutions; temporarily resistant to fuels, mineral oils, vegetable and animal fats and oils; not resistant to organic acids, glycolic alcohol, concentrated mineral acids and caustic solutions or solvents.
Application
Surface Preparation
Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from grease, oil, dust and contaminants.
Surface treatment depends on the specific nature of the substrates and is crucial for a long lasting bond. Suggestions for surface preparation may be found on the current edition of the Sika® Pre-treatment Chart for silan terminated polymer.
Consider that these suggestions are based on experience and have in any case to be verified by tests on original substrates.
Application
Sikaflex®-552 can be processed at temperatures (climate and product) between 5 °C and 40 °C (41 °F and 104 °F) but changes in reactivity and application properties have to be considered. The optimum temperature for substrate and sealant is between 15 °C and 25 °C (59 °F and 77 °F). Consider that the viscosity will increase at low temperature. For easy application, condition the adhesive at ambient temperature prior to use.
To ensure a uniform thickness of the bondline it is recommend to apply the adhesive in form of a triangular bead (see figure 1)
Figure 1: Recommended bead configuration
Sikaflex®-552 can be processed with manual, pneumatic or electric driven piston guns as well as pump equipment.
The open time is significantly shorter in hot and humid climate. The parts must always be installed within the open time. Never join bonding parts if the adhesive has built a skin.
For advice on selecting and setting up a suitable pump system, contact the System Engineering Department of Sika Industry.
Tooling and finishing
Tooling and finishing must be carried out within the skin time of the product. It is recommended using Sika® Slick. Other finishing agents must be tested for suitability and compatibility prior the use.
Removal
Uncured Sikaflex®-552 may be removed from tools and equipment with Sika® Remover-208 or another suitable solvent. Once cured, the material can only be removed mechanically.
Hands and exposed skin have to be washed immediately using a suitable industrial hand cleaner and water.
Do not use solvents on skin.
Overpainting
Sikaflex®-552 can be best painted within the skin formation time. If painting process takes place after the sealant has built a skin, adhesion could be improved by treating the joint surface with Sika® Aktivator-100 or Sika® Aktivator-205 prior to paint process.
If the paint requires a baking process (> 80 °C / 176 °F), best performance is achieved by allowing the sealant to fully cure first.
All paints have to be tested by carrying preliminary trials under manufacturing conditions.
The elasticity of paints is usually lower than that of sealants. This could lead to cracking of the paint in the joint area.