Medical Balloons - Technical Information - Bonding PET Balloons

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be bonded using a number of adhesives including UV cure and/or cyanoacrylate adhesives. Cleanliness and surface preparation are key elements to a successful bond. Additionally, for bonding that must withstand high pressure or stress, a surface treatment is a must. Suggested surface treatments include:

• Mechanical roughening, i.e., fine sandpaper, micro abrasive blasting.
  (Note: we find that mechanical roughening is a very inexpensive and effective method of surface treatment. The grit size of the sandpaper should be chosen carefully. For example, using a thin-wall tube (0.0005" or less) would require a fine grit paper, whereas a thicker wall tube (0.002" or more) could use a larger grit. When using mechanical roughening, the user wants to be sure not to over-roughen, which can cause pinholes and lead to premature failure in the PET).
• Plasma etching or corona-treating (plasma is recommended).
• Primers (consult your adhesive supplier)
• Combinations of the above, i.e., mechanical roughening and plasma etching

For your specific use/appllication, we suggest you contact an adhesive manufacturer for a full range of available adhesives and input regarding the appropriate adhesive for your use. Also, be sure to inquire about adhesives recommended for polyester or PET.

Suggested adhesive manufacturers: