Effects of adhesive type and polystyrene concentration on the shear strength of bonded polystyrene/high-density polyethylene blends

The lap-shear strengths of adhesively bonded polystyrene (PS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and their blends, were studied as a function of adhesive type and blend composition. The performance of virgin and recycled polymer systems was examined. The lap-shear strength depended strongly on the amount of PS in the blend and the type of adhesive, and the acrylic adhesives demonstrated the best performance for all compositions. Bonded strengths of HDPE increased by approximately 50% when HDPE was blended with 34% PS, the co-continuous composition. The results indicate that structural elements made from PS/HDPE immiscible blends may be effectively bonded with adhesives without expensive surface treatments.