When it comes to the issue of broken seams in inflatable paddle boards, the finger is often pointed at manufacturers who cut corners. However, the reality is that these problems often stem from oversights in the production process. This article aims to illuminate an inconspicuous yet significant factor in paddle board manufacturing: the sensitivity of adhesives to temperature and humidity requirements.
Principles of Adhesive Bonding
The principles of adhesive bonding usually encompass physical, chemical, and mechanical mechanisms. Different bonding mechanisms can coexist within a single adhesive. In the production of inflatable paddles, the primary bonding principle utilized with adhesives is mechanical bonding. This mechanism employs the concept of mechanical force, where adhesive molecules infiltrate the various surface areas of the paddle, filling gaps and irregularities. As the adhesive cures, a mechanical lock or embedding effect is formed, resulting in a robust connection
The Significance of Temperature and Humidity
When the temperature drops too low, the adhesive's viscosity increases, reducing its flowability. This makes effective adhesive application and penetration difficult, resulting in incomplete bonding at the joints. Moreover, lower temperatures prolong the adhesive's curing time, increasing the time required for adhesion and ultimately reducing production efficiency. On the other hand, excessive high humidity slows down the adhesive's drying speed. This results in an excessive moisture content within the adhesive layer, which negatively affects adhesive strength and durability. Over time, these relatively weaker bonds may deteriorate. Furthermore, high humidity triggers reactions between the adhesive layer and the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air, causing the adhesive layer to age and change color.
Marcello's Approach
At Marcello Sports, drawing upon over a decade of experience in paddle board manufacturing, we have established a standardized procedure: if the temperature falls below 16 degrees Celsius or humidity exceeds 60%, we temporarily halt production until conditions return to an optimal state.
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