A typical formulation ofa two-part acrylate ‘no mix’ adhesive (also known as a ‘hardener lacquer system’) with good thixotropic properties and excellent impact toughness comprises, in the resin component, 45% methyl methacrylate, 8% methacrylic acid, 1% dimethyl acrylate (e. g. ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), 45% toughening polymer (e. g. chlorosulfonated polyethylene), and 0.5% peroxide (e. g. cumene hydroperoxide).
In the no-mix procedure, the activator (hardener lacquer) that is contained in an organic solvent is applied to one ofthe surfaces to bejoined. The activator slowly releases an amine that later acts as an accelerator. Surfaces coated with hardener lacquer can be stored for any period, and remain to be activated for subsequent bonding. The peroxide needed for polymerization is contained in the acrylate monomer component (resin component) and only activated by the amine when the adherents are fitted together.
Although, when working with the no-mix procedure, the pot life does not need to be considered, the adhesive system can only overcome gap widths of up to 0.5 mm. However, this procedure has been widely adopted owing to easy processing and process reliability.