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Description for 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 1838 B/A Tan
This epoxy adhesive is two-part, room temperature curing structural adhesive with high shear strengths and excellent environmental resistance. Excellent for bonding many metals, woods, and some plastics.Brand Scotch-weld Chemical Resistance Hydraulic Oil, Chemical Resistance: Fluid Resistance: Tap Water, White Gas Application Type Bonding 1 Part or 2 Part 2-Part Material Form Liquid Substrate Aluminum, Glass, Many Metals, Some Plastics, Rubbers, Cold rolled Steel, Woods, Epoxy, 2024 T3 clad aluminum, Steel Manufacturer 3M Chemistry Epoxy Application Method Spatula, Trowel Cure Method 2-Part Cure, Room temperature curing Cure Temperature (°C) 20 to 25, 23, 24, 65, 100, 65 Cure Time (min) 360 to 600, 480, 10,080, 120, 30, 15 to 20 Viscosity (cPs) Controlled flow Color Tan High Temperature Resistance (°C) 82 Low Temperature Resistance (°C) -55 Key Specifications Mil-Spec (United States Military Standard): MIL-A-23941A; Mil-0-5606 -
Technical Data for 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 1838 B/A Tan
Overview
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Chemical Resistance
- Chemical Resistance : Fluid Resistance : Water Resistance - Tap Water
- Chemical Resistance - Hydraulic Oil, White Gas
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Application Type
- Adhesive - Bonding
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1 Part or 2 Part
- 2-Part
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Material Form
- Liquid
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Industry
- Other - Structural adhesive
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Chemistry
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Application Method
- Flow - Flow equipment
- Spatula/Trowel - Spatula, Trowel
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Cure Method
- Room Temperature / Air Dry - Room temperature curing
- 2-Part Cure
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Color
- Brown - Tan
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Key Specifications
- Mil-Spec (United States Military Standard) : 5606 - MIL-A-23941A; Mil-0-5606
- Mil-Spec (United States Military Standard) : A-21366A - MIL-A-23941A; Mil-0-5606
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Brand
- Scotch-weld
Specifications
Cure Specs
Cure Temperature (°C) 20 to 25, 23, 24, 65, 100, 65 Test Method Cure Time (min) 360 to 600, 480, 10,080, 120, 30, 15 to 20 Test Method Viscosity (cPs) Controlled flow Fixture or Handling Strength Time (min) 360 to 600, 15 to 20 Test Method Work / Pot Time (min) 60, Long Test Method Open Time (min) 60 Thixotropic Controlled Mix Ratio 5:6 (by volume), 1:1 (by weight) Bond Strength
Structural/Load-Bearing Structural General Bond Strength (psi) Excellent Peel Strength (piw) 4 (lb/in width), 4 (lb/in width), 4 (lb/in width) Test Method Shear Strength (psi) High, 1,500, 2,000, 500, 2,000 to 2,200, 1,950, 2,200, 2,250, 1,100, 3,400 to 3,800, 2,750, 1,250, 3,600, 3,250, 2,400 to 2,500, 2,250, 1,050, 2,900, 2,150 Test Method Material Resistance
Environmental Resistance Excellent environmental resistance High Temperature Resistance (°C) 82 Low Temperature Resistance (°C) -55 Moisture/Humidity Resistance Moisture/humidity resistance Hardness
Shore D Hardness 82 Test Method Elongation (%) 2 to 3 Flexibility Rigid Business Information
Shelf Life Details Store products at 80°F (27°C) or below for maximum shelf life. Higher temperatures reduce normal shelf life.; These products have a shelf life of 24 months from date of manufacture when properly stored in their unopened containers. Lower temperatures can cause increased viscosity of a temporary nature. Rotate stock on a “first in-first out” basis. Shelf Life Temperature (°F) 80 Shelf Life Type From date of shipment Shelf Life (mon) 24 -
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Best Practices for 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 1838 B/A Tan
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Surface Preparation
For high strength structural bonds, paint, oxide films, oils, dust, mold release agents and all other surface contaminants must be completely removed. The amount of surface preparation directly depends on the user’s required bond strength and environmental aging resistance. For suggested surface preparations on common substrates, see the section on Surface Preparation.
The following cleaning methods are suggested for common surfaces.
Steel: 1. Wipe free of dust with oil-free solvent such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK).
2. Sandblast or abrade using clean fine grit abrasives.
3. Wipe again with solvents to remove loose particles.
Aluminum: 1. Alkaline Degrease – Oakite 164 solution (9-11 oz./gallon water) at 190°F ± 10°F (88°C ± 5°C) for 10-20 minutes. Rinse immediately in large quantities of cold running water.
1. Alkaline Degrease – Oakite 164 solution (9-11 oz./gallon water) at 190°F ± 10°F (88°C ± 5°C) for 10-20 minutes. Rinse immediately in large quantities of cold running water.
2. Acid Etch – Place panels in the following solution for 10 minutes at 150°F ± 5°F (66°C ± 2°C).
Sodium Dichromate 4.1 - 4.9 oz./gallon
Sulfuric Acid, 66° 38.5 - 41.5 oz./gallon 2024-T3 aluminum (dissolved) 0.2 oz./gallon minimum Tap Water as needed to balance
3. Rinse – Rinse panels in clear running tap water.
4. Dry – Air dry 15 minutes
force dry 10 minutes at 150°F ± 10°F (66°C ± 5°C).
5. If primer is to be used, it should be applied within 4 hours after surface preparation.
Plastics: 1. Solvent wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol.
2. Abrade using clean fine grit abrasives.
3. Solvent wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol.
Rubbers: 1. Solvent wipe with MEK.
2. Abrade using clean fine grit abrasives.
3. Solvent wipe with MEK.
Glass: 1. Solvent wipe with acetone or MEK.
For glass applications which will be subjected to high moisture/humidity conditions, EC-3901 primer or equivalent should be used to prime the glass.
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Application
Application Equipment: These products may be applied with spatula, trowel, or flow equipment.
For maximum bond strength apply product evenly to both surfaces to be joined.
Application to the substrates should be made within 1 hour for 3M™ Scotch- Weld™ Epoxy Adhesives 1838 B/A Green and Tan and 90 minutes for Scotch- Weld 1838-L B/A adhesive. Larger quantities and/or higher temperatures will reduce this working time.
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Mixing
These products consist of two parts. Mix thoroughly by weight or volume in proportions specified on product label or in Typical Uncured Physical Properties section below. Resulting color should be uniform. Properly reseal containers.
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Curing
Join the adhesive coated surfaces and allow to cure until completely firm. Overnight curing @75°F (24°C) is usually sufficient. Heat, up to 200°F (100°C), will speed curing.
Keep parts from moving during cure. Contact pressure is necessary. Maximum shear strength is obtained with a 3-5 mil bond line.
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Clean-Up
Solvent wipe with acetone or MEK.*
*Note: When using solvents or chemicals, be sure to extinguish all ignition sources and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use when handling such materials.
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Cure Temperature Test Methods
Cure Temperature | Cure Time Test Method |
---|---|
20 to 25°C | |
23°C | Full cure |
24°C | Full cure |
65°C | Full cure |
100°C | Full cure |
65°C |
Cure Time Test Methods
Cure Time | Test Method |
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360 to 600 min | |
480 min | Full cure |
10,080 min | Full cure |
120 min | Full cure |
30 min | Full cure |
15 to 20 min |
Fixture or Handling Strength Time Test Methods
Fixture or Handling Strength Time | Fixture-Handling Strength Time Temperature |
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360 to 600 min | 25°C |
15 to 20 min | 66°C |
Work / Pot Time Test Methods
Work / Pot Time | Test Method | Temperature |
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60 min | 100g mixed, Worklife | 23°C |
Long |
Peel Strength Test Methods
Peel Strength | Type | Cure Temperature | Substrate | Test Method |
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4 (lb/in width) | T-Peel Adhesion | -55°C | Aluminum | T-Peel bonds were measured on 1 in. wide specimens cut from two FPL etched 8 in. x 8 in. x .032 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum panels bonded together. The separation note of the testing jaws was 20 in./minute. |
4 (lb/in width) | T-Peel Adhesion | 23°C | Aluminum | ASTM D1876, T-Peel bonds were measured on 1 in. wide specimens cut from two FPL etched 8 in. x 8 in. x .032 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum panels bonded together. The separation note of the testing jaws was 20 in./minute. |
4 (lb/in width) | T-Peel Adhesion | 82°C | Aluminum | ASTM D1876, T-Peel bonds were measured on 1 in. wide specimens cut from two FPL etched 8 in. x 8 in. x .032 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum panels bonded together. The separation note of the testing jaws was 20 in./minute. |
Shear Strength Test Methods
Shear Strength | Type | Substrate | Chemical | Test Temperature | Test Humidity | Test Method |
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High | ||||||
1,500 psi | Overlap shear strength | 2024 T3 clad aluminum | -55°C | Overlap shear strength was measured on FPL etched 1 in. wide by 1/2 in. overlap specimens. The bonds were made from 2 panels of 4 in. x 7 in. x .063 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum bonded together and cut into 1 in. wide specimens. The separation rate of the testing jaws was .1 in./minute. Tests similar to ASTM D-1002. | ||
2,000 psi | Overlap shear strength | 2024 T3 clad aluminum | 24°C | Overlap shear strength was measured on FPL etched 1 in. wide by 1/2 in. overlap specimens. The bonds were made from 2 panels of 4 in. x 7 in. x .063 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum bonded together and cut into 1 in. wide specimens. The separation rate of the testing jaws was .1 in./minute. Tests similar to ASTM D-1002. | ||
500 psi | Overlap shear sterngth | 2024 T3 clad aluminum | 82°C | Overlap shear strength was measured on FPL etched 1 in. wide by 1/2 in. overlap specimens. The bonds were made from 2 panels of 4 in. x 7 in. x .063 in., 2024 T3 clad aluminum bonded together and cut into 1 in. wide specimens. The separation rate of the testing jaws was .1 in./minute. Tests similar to ASTM D-1002. | ||
2,000 to 2,200 psi | Overlap shear strength | Cold Rolled Steel | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | ||
1,950 psi | Overlap shear strength | Cold Rolled Steel | Tap water | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
2,200 psi | Overlap shear strength | Cold Rolled Steel | 24°C | 100 % | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C)., RH | |
2,250 psi | Overlap shear strength | Cold Rolled Steel | Hydraulic Oil (Mil-0-5606) | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
1,100 psi | Overlap shear strength | Cold Rolled Steel | White Gas | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
3,400 to 3,800 psi | Overlap shear strength | Stainless Steel | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | ||
2,750 psi | Overlap shear strength | Stainless Steel | Tap water | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
1,250 psi | Overlap shear strength | Stainless Steel | 49°C | 100 % | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C)., RH | |
3,600 psi | Overlap shear strength | Stainless Steel | Hydraulic Oil (Mil-0-5606) | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
3,250 psi | Overlap shear strength | Stainless Steel | White Gas | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
2,400 to 2,500 psi | Overlap shear strength | Aluminum | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | ||
2,250 psi | Overlap shear strength | Aluminum | Tap water | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
1,050 psi | Overlap shear strength | Aluminum | 49°C | 100 % | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C)., RH | |
2,900 psi | Overlap shear strength | Aluminum | Hydraulic Oil (Mil-0-5606) | 24°C | Overlap shear on cold rolled steel (20 gauge), 302 stainless steel (50 mils thick), and 2024 T3 clad aluminum (63 mils thick) in various environments after 365 days aging. All substrates were sandblasted prior to bonding. Data are in psi and tested at 75°F (24°C). | |
2,150 psi | Overlap shear strength | Aluminum | White Gas | 24°C |
Shore D Hardness Test Methods
Shore D Hardness | Shore Hardness Test Method |
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82 | ASTM D2240, Cured |

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