The targeted facility is one that supplies window panels for automotive companies. Much focus of the research relies heavily on bonding various substrates to glass. While the majority of the research lies in this area, there are some business applications, such as bonding stainless steel to Polyvinylchloride (PVC). This application is commonly seen on the outside of side windows on high-end model vehicles.
Multiple studies were performed to gain further understanding when bonding PVC to glass in order to provide the strongest bond in the shortest amount of time focusing on primer characteristics. All of these experiments focused on glass to PVC bonding. However, there is no information that focuses on bonding PVC to stainless steel. Current processes are in line with individual automotive standards, but more needs to be understood about this process in order to improve the process to keep up with competition.
The research found that glass outperformed stainless steel, but the molding process may need to be redesigned in order to compare the two substrates directly. Generally, hot and humid conditions, non-shaken primer, as well as a thick primer path and high preheat can all positively impact the travel distance observed. Obtaining high amounts of plastic cohesive failure depends more upon the bonded substrate, as many optimal factor levels were different.