The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Fishing reel mfgr having problems bonding Teflon to anodized aluminum

2004

I am manufacturing fishing reels for salt-water use. I am having problems with bonding of Teflon to anodized aluminum (fishing reels). The Teflon is etched on one side with some sort of chemical for good adhesion. the aluminum is anodized in type II sulfuric acid and sealed with hot water/steam. I wipe both surfaces with acetone ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! and shortly thereafter apply a cyanoacrlyate to the anodized surface, hold the parts for a short period. The initial bond is ok and the Teflon cannot be easily pulled off, but after some time exposure to salty water and heat (heat builds up due to friction in the drag system) the bond deteriorates and eventually after about a year the Teflon looses its bond and peels off. The parts are already anodized so I have to work with what I have. I have ordered some adhesive which is a primer and cyanoacryalate but I don't know if this is going to be the answer. Please advise or suggest any products that can be used.

Thanks in advance,

Michael Georgiadis
design engineer/hobbyist - Durban, KZN, South Africa

---

A. Why don't you go for bonding before sealing. Anyway if you require wear resistance it is better not to seal, but for corrosion resistance sealing is preferable. Good luck

Khair Shishani
aircraft maintenance - Al Ain, UAE
2004

I was looking at similar things, check out page 26 on http://www.loctite.com/int_henkel/loctite_us/binarydata/pdf/lt2197_PlasticsBondGguide.pdf note that anodized aluminum has many little holes, you could use epoxy glue ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] also, but try the loctite recommended on that page.

Douwe Monsma
- Cambridge, Massachusetts
2004