Permabond adhesives: An overview of the complete range
Permabond is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial adhesives, ranging from cyanoacrylates and structural epoxies to anaerobic adhesives. Since developing the original Eastman 910 (the first commercial instant adhesive), the company has specialized in high-performance adhesive solutions for demanding industrial applications. This guide introduces the most important Permabond products, compares them with Loctite alternatives, and shows which adhesive is best for your application.
Permabond: The Company
Permabond Engineering Adhesives was founded in the 1950s and has its origins in the development of Eastman 910 —the very first commercial cyanoacrylate adhesive. Today, the company, headquartered in the US with manufacturing facilities in the UK, US, and Asia, produces a comprehensive range of:
- Cyanoacrylate adhesives (instant adhesives) – standard, toughened, and high-temperature
- Structural epoxy adhesives – 1K heat-curing and 2K room temperature
- Anaerobic adhesives – screw locking, shaft-hub, flange sealing
- Structural acrylic adhesives (MMA) – for mixed joints
- Primers and activators – for difficult substrates
Unlike Henkel (Loctite), Permabond is a pure adhesive specialist without any consumer products. Its focus is exclusively on industrial and engineering applications. SILITECH AG is the official distribution partner for Permabond in Switzerland.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives (superglue)
Cyanoacrylates are single-component adhesives that cure within seconds when exposed to air humidity. Permabond offers various formulations for different requirements—from universal standard types to patented high-temperature cyanoacrylates.
Permabond 105 – Universal Cyanoacrylate
Permabond 105 is a low-viscosity ethyl cyanoacrylate for fast, high-strength bonding on metals, plastics, rubber, and many other materials.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | Ethyl cyanoacrylate, low viscosity |
| Color | Colorless |
| viscosity | 20–50 mPa·s (cP) |
| gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| fixing time | 5–10 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 20–25 N/mm² (2,900–3,600 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 18–22 N/mm² |
| Shear strength (rubber) | 15–20 N/mm² |
| temperature range | -54 °C to +82 °C |
| hardness | 80–85 Shore D |
Applications: Universal instant bonding in assembly, electronics, rubber-metal connections, plastic bonding. Particularly suitable for tight fits thanks to low viscosity (capillary penetration).
Loctite comparison: Equivalent to Loctite 401 or Loctite 495. All three are ethyl cyanoacrylates with similar performance (~3,000 psi shear strength). The choice depends primarily on availability and price.
Permabond 731 – Toughened cyanoacrylate (clear)
Permabond 731 combines instant bonding with increased impact and peel strength—ideal when standard cyanoacrylates are too brittle.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | Toughened cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Crystal clear |
| viscosity | 150 mPa·s |
| gap bridging | Max. 0.15 mm |
| fixing time | 30 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 24–30 N/mm² (3,500–4,400 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 13–15 N/mm² |
| peel strength | 40–60 N/25 mm |
| impact resistance | 5–10 kJ/m² |
| hardness | 85 Shore D |
| dielectric strength | 25 kV/mm |
| temperature range | -54 °C to +120 °C |
Applications: Transparent bonding with impact stress, flexible substrates, rubber-metal connections, electronics assembly where optical clarity is required.
Loctite comparison: Competes with Loctite 4860 (flexible) and Loctite 480 (toughened, black). Permabond 731 is the clear alternative in this category—Loctite 480 is black.
Permabond 737 – Toughened cyanoacrylate (black)
The black version with higher viscosity for larger gaps and applications where a black adhesive joint is acceptable or desired.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | Toughened cyanoacrylate |
| Color | Black |
| viscosity | 3,000 mPa·s (high viscosity, gap-filling) |
| gap bridging | Max. 0.51 mm |
| fixing time | 15 seconds |
| Shear strength (steel) | 19–23 N/mm² (2,800–3,300 psi) |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 13–15 N/mm² |
| tensile strength | 25 N/mm² |
| peel strength | 40–60 N/25 mm |
| impact resistance | 5–10 kJ/m² |
| hardness | 85 Shore D |
| temperature range | -54 °C to +120 °C |
Applications: Gap-filling bonding on plastics, rubber, steel, and aluminum. Fastest fixing time (15 seconds) in the toughened series.
Loctite comparison: Direct competitor to Loctite 480 (black, toughened). The 737 offers better gap bridging (0.51 mm vs. typically 0.25 mm for Loctite 480) and a faster setting time.
Permabond 825 – High-temperature cyanoacrylate (392 °F)
Permabond 825 is a breakthrough in cyanoacrylate technology: an instant adhesive that withstands continuous temperatures of up to 438°F (200°C) without post-curing. This patented formulation is unique on the market.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | Modified ethyl cyanoacrylate (patented) |
| Color | Sure |
| viscosity | Low (capillary action) |
| Shear strength (steel) | 15–20 N/mm² (2,175–2,900 psi) |
| temperature range | -55 °C to +200 °C (continuous operation) |
| Thermal aging | ~80% residual strength after 1,000 hours at 180 °C |
| post-curing | Not required |
What makes 825 unique: Conventional cyanoacrylates fail at 80–120 °C. Allyl cyanoacrylates can withstand higher temperatures, but require complex thermal post-curing. Permabond 825 uses patented modified ethyl cyanoacrylate technology and can withstand continuous temperatures of 200°C without any post-curing. This is unique in the industry.
Applications: Electronics assembly, electric motor construction, e-mobility/battery technology, automotive under-the-hood, aerospace. Suitable for stoving and wave soldering processes.
Loctite comparison: No direct Loctite equivalent available. Standard Loctite cyanoacrylates reach a maximum of 80–120 °C. Loctite HY 4090 (2K hybrid) reaches 150 °C, but is a two-component product. Permabond 825 is unrivalled in this respect.
Structural epoxy adhesives
For maximum strength and durability, Permabond offers one- and two-component epoxy systems—from food-grade formulations to high-temperature composite adhesives.
Permabond ET5162 – Food-safe 2K epoxy
The ET5162 is a two-component epoxy adhesive with FDA and EU-10/2011 approval for food contact – combined with a temperature resistance of up to 120 °C.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | 2K epoxy, food-safe |
| Color | Whitish to cream-colored |
| mixing ratio | 1:1 |
| Shear strength (steel) | 25–30 N/mm² (3,600–4,400 psi) |
| hardness | 80–90 Shore D |
| temperature resistance | Up to 120 °C (vs. 80 °C for standard 2K epoxies) |
| pot life | ~1 hour |
| curing | Room temperature (72 hours) or 60 °C (1 hour) |
| Approvals | FDA 21 CFR 175.105, EU Regulation 10/2011 |
Applications: Food and beverage industry, catering equipment, stainless steel bonding, industrial filter assembly (screen mesh, pleated filter bonding) – wherever regulatory compliance for food contact is required.
Substrates: stainless steel, aluminum, composites, certain plastics, ceramics.
Loctite comparison: No direct equivalent with combined FDA and EU 10/2011 approval and simultaneous 120 °C temperature resistance. This is one of Permabond's niche strengths.
Permabond ES5681 – 1K heat-curing epoxy
A single-component, heat-curing epoxy adhesive specifically designed for bonding fiber composites (CFRP, GFRP) and metals—with the option of induction curing in under 2 minutes.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | 1K thermosetting epoxy, composite grade |
| Color | Black |
| viscosity | 40,000–60,000 mPa·s (thixotropic paste) |
| density | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| gap bridging | Max. 0.5 mm |
| Shear strength (steel) | 30–35 MPa (4,350–5,100 psi) |
| Shear strength (CFRP) | 18–22 MPa |
| Shear strength (GRP/epoxy) | 14–16 MPa |
| hardening | 30 Min. bei 135 °C (Ofen) oder <2 Min. Induktion |
| temperature range | -40 °C to +250 °C |
Hauptvorteil: Neben der Ofenhärtung ist die Aushärtung per Induktion (<2 Min.), Heizplatte, Infrarotlampe oder Heissluftpistole möglich – maximale Flexibilität in der Produktion.
Applications: Carbon fiber and GRP/CFRP composite bonding, heat exchangers, tool bonding, conveyor belt wear tips, bicycle frames, heat sink bonding. Excellent impact and vibration resistance.
Loctite comparison: Competes with Loctite EA 9394 and similar 1K thermosetting aerospace epoxies. However, the induction curing and 250 °C temperature resistance of ES5681 are unique.
Permabond ET5422 – 2K structural epoxy (toughened)
The ET5422 is a two-component, toughness-modified, high-performance structural adhesive with second-generation core-shell rubber technology. It delivers a combination of shear, peel, and impact strength that is at the top of its class.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | 2K-modified epoxy (2nd generation core-shell rubber) |
| Color | Off-white (A) / Blue (B) |
| mixing ratio | 2:1 by volume (100:44 by weight) |
| Viscosity (A) | 105,000 mPa·s, thixotropic |
| Viscosity (B) | 100,000 mPa·s, thixotropic |
| gap bridging | Up to 5 mm |
| pot life | ~3 hours |
| handling strength | 16 hours at RT |
| full curing | 5 days at 23 °C or 1 hour at 82 °C |
| Shear strength (aluminum) | 30–40 N/mm² (4,350–5,800 psi) |
| Peel strength (aluminum, RT) | 320 N/25 mm (70 PIW) |
| impact resistance | 20–30 kJ/m² |
| hardness | >80 Shore D |
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) | 243 °F |
Applications: Structural bonding in aerospace, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Aluminum bonding, carbon fiber, composites. Replaces welding and mechanical fasteners. Thixotropic (stable) for vertical and overhead bonding.
Loctite comparison: Competes with Loctite EA E-120HP and Loctite EA 9497. The ET5422's 5,800 psi aluminum shear strength and 70 PIW peel strength are at the top of the structural epoxy class.
Primers and activators
Permabond POP – Polyolefin Primer
Permabond POP (Polyolefin Primer) is a solvent-based surface primer that enables cyanoacrylates to bond to plastics that are otherwise almost impossible to bond.
| property | value |
|---|---|
| Type | Solvent-based surface primer for cyanoacrylates |
| Color | Colorless liquid |
| viscosity | 0.6 mPa·s |
| adhesive window | Up to 2 hours after application (for PTFE, bond immediately) |
| full curing | 24 hours at 23 °C for maximum strength |
| storage | 5–25 °C |
Suitable substrates: PTFE (Teflon), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), silicone, FEP, PFA, ETFE, acetal (POM), PBT, PMP, PPS, polystyrene, and certain types of polyurethane.
Advantage: Cost-effective alternative to flame, corona, and plasma pretreatment. Works exclusively with cyanoacrylates (not with epoxies or UV adhesives).
Loctite comparison: Equivalent to Loctite SF 770 (polyolefin primer). Both enable CA bonding on polyolefins and PTFE.
Anaerobic adhesives: Permabond vs. Loctite cross-reference
In addition to cyanoacrylates and epoxies, Permabond offers a complete range of anaerobic adhesives for screw locking, shaft-hub connections, and flange sealing—suitable alternatives to the most popular Loctite types:
| Application | Permabond | Loctite | strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screw lock (low) | LM113 | 222 | Low, can be dismantled |
| Screw lock (medium) | MM115 | 242 | Means, removable with hand tools |
| Screw lock (oil-tolerant) | A1042 | 243 | Medium, oil tolerant |
| Threadlocker (high) | HM118 | 262 | High, heat for dissolving |
| Screw lock (high strength) | HM128 | 271 | Very high |
| Screw lock (high temperature) | HH131 | 272 | High, temperature-resistant |
| Pipe and thread seal | LH050 | 565 | means |
| Shaft hub (standard) | A126 | 609 | means |
| Shaft hub (high strength) | HM161 | 638/680 | High |
| flange gasket | MH196 | 510 | means |
| Flange gasket (flexible) | MH199 | 518 | Medium, flexible |
Comparison overview: Permabond vs. Loctite specialty products
The following table summarizes the specialty products and shows where Permabond offers unique advantages:
| Permabond | Type | Loctite equivalent | Permabond advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | CA, low viscosity | Loctite 401, 495 | Comparable, ~21.5 MPa |
| 731 | CA, toughened, clear | Loctite 4860, 480 | Clear (Loctite 480 is black) |
| 737 | CA, toughened, black | Loctite 480 | Better gap filling (0.51 mm) |
| 825 | CA, high temperature (200 °C) | No equivalent | Patented, unique on the market |
| ET5162 | 2K epoxy, food-safe | No direct equivalent | FDA + EU 10/2011 + 120 °C |
| ES5681 | 1K heat-curing, composites | Loctite EA 9394 | Induction hardening + 250 °C |
| ET5422 | 2K structural epoxy, toughened | Loctite EA E-120HP | 5,800 psi shear strength |
| POP | polyolefin primer | Loctite SF 770 | Comparable |
Choosing the right Permabond adhesive
Four main criteria are crucial when selecting the right adhesive:
1. Which materials are being bonded?
- Metal on metal: ET5422 (structural) or 105/731/737 (rapid fixation)
- Plastic to plastic: 105 + POP primer (for polyolefins)
- Composites (CFRP/GFRP): ES5681 (heat-cured) or ET5422 (RT-cured)
- Food contact: ET5162 (FDA/EU approved)
2. What is the operating temperature?
- Up to 82 °C: Permabond 105 (standard CA)
- Up to 120 °C: Permabond 731/737 (toughened) or ET5162 (epoxy)
- Up to 200 °C: Permabond 825 (only CA possible)
- Up to 250 °C: Permabond ES5681 (1K epoxy, heat-cured)
3. How quickly does the adhesive need to set?
- Seconds: CA series (105, 731, 737, 825)
- Minutes: Structural acrylates (TA4246: 1–2 min. fixing time)
- Hours: Epoxides (ET5162: 1 hour at 60 °C; ET5422: 1 hour at 82 °C)
4. What strength is required?
- Standard (~20 MPa): Permabond 105
- High (~30 MPa): Permabond ET5162, 731
- Very high (~35–40 MPa): Permabond ET5422, ES5681
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What distinguishes Permabond from Loctite?
Permabond is purely an industrial adhesive specialist, while Loctite is part of Henkel and also carries consumer products. In certain niches—particularly high-temperature cyanoacrylates (825) and food-grade epoxies (ET5162)—Permabond offers products for which there is no Loctite equivalent.
Can I switch from Loctite to Permabond?
In most cases, yes. For anaerobic adhesives and standard cyanoacrylates, there are direct 1:1 cross-references (see table above). For critical applications, we recommend a validation test under operating conditions. SILITECH supports you in product conversion with sample deliveries and technical advice.
Where can I buy Permabond adhesives in Switzerland?
SILITECH AG is the official Permabond distribution partner in Switzerland. All products presented are available via our online shop or on request. For project-specific advice and samples, please contact our technical team.
Is there a cyanoacrylate that is resistant to temperatures above 120 °C?
Yes— Permabond 825 is the only cyanoacrylate on the market that can withstand 200°C in continuous operation without requiring post-curing. This patented technology is unique and has no equivalent from Loctite, 3M, or other manufacturers.
What is the difference between Permabond 731 and 737?
Both are toughened cyanoacrylates with similar peel and impact resistance. The 731 is crystal clear with medium viscosity (150 cP), while the 737 is black with high viscosity (3,000 cP). 737 is better suited for larger gaps (0.51 mm) and sets faster (15 s vs. 30 s).
What do I need Permabond POP Primer for?
The POP primer enables cyanoacrylate bonding on plastics with low surface energy such as PP, PE, PTFE (Teflon), silicone, and acetal (POM). Without primer, cyanoacrylates do not adhere to these materials. POP is a cost-effective alternative to flame, corona, or plasma pretreatment.
