What sticks to HDPE?

Question

High density polyethelene is known for the inability of anything to stick to it. In many respects it's like teflon but you can't cook on it. Teflon, however will stick to metal if the temperature is high enough. Elastomers stick, sort of but can be peeled off.

Answer 1

lots of things can stick to hdpe, especially if it has a high surface tension. many packages at your grocery store are made of varying density pe's, and the ink sticks to those packages.

Answer 2

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I''ll start by saying that Im a paint contractor. The best primer to use is X IM (it a bit expensive) it pretty much bonds to anything. I have used it to paint over mirrors, glass, tile , formica, etc. and it works great. A word of advice though: paint takes a long time to dry. Just cause something dries to the touch doesnt mean it is really dry. For example when I paint over metal, the next day I can scrape the paint off with my finger nail. But 1 week later, I cannot. There is alot of drying that happens behind the scenes and it can take weeks for a paint to truly bond to something.

Answer 3

It would help if you told more about what you were trying to do with it, what kind of conditions it will be exposed to etc.

You're right about not much sticking to HDPE, not even super glue. If you roughen the surface you might get some adhesion with silicone seal type glues/sealants. The surface of HDPE will soften on prolonged exposure to refluxing toluene; you might get something to stick to this softened layer, then let it re-harden. You could also try heating it to the softening point and trying to mash it together with whatever you're try to get it to stick to and clamp untill cool. Again, I don't know enough about your application to get specific.

Answer 4

Hdpe Sealant