High temperature (1,538oC) ceramic adhesives

23 November 2006

Ever since ceramics became popular for use in electrical instrumentation, product design
engineers have sought to fasten or bond ceramic parts to other materials such as metal or
glass. Because of specialised assembly requirements, frequent issues have arisen regarding
adhesion, functionality and longevity. The factors that most commonly challenge
specialist adhesives manufacturers include intense heat and high electrical current.
Eurobond Adhesives Ltd's 'Cerastil' range of high temperature ceramic adhesives offer
solutions to a wide range of electrical assembly applications.

CERASTIL H-115 for example is an excellent electrically insulating ceramic potting compound. This general purpose cement is used to pot and coat electrical resistors, thermocouples, transformers, seal ends of capacitors, and cement insulators and flame ignitors to metals, glass, and other ceramics. CERASTIL H-115 will prevent vibration loosening of components that have been potted in the cement.

The ceramic compound is very resistant to thermal shock and can withstand rapid heating or cooling at wide temperature fluctuations. The cured cement has a very high density and low porosity. It has low permeability to gasses, even at very high temperatures. Molten metals such as copper, solder, and flux will not stick to CERASTIL H-115.

CERASTIL H-115 is supplied as a single-component dry white powder that is mixed with water to use. The compound sets by chemical reaction forming an almost impervious ceramic within 24 hours. When dry, the cement can be brought to any temperature up to 1,538°C (2,800ºF) as rapidly as desired. The compound does not contain asbestos or other fibres, and produces no noxious off-gasses when curing. The cured cement is very strong and can withstand high structural loads without cracking. It has high thermal conductivity and adheres strongly to metals, ceramics, glass, and some plastics.