Adhesion promoter
Application guide
For use with PPG’s PRC®, Pro-Seal®, and Permapol® branded
polysulfide and polythioether aircraft sealants.
PRC, Permapol, Desoclean, Semkit are trademarks of PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
All recommendations, statements, and technical data contained herein are based on tests we believe to be reliable and correct, but accuracy and completeness of
said tests are not guaranteed and are not to be construed as a warranty, either expressed or implied. User shall rely on his own information and tests to determine
suitability of the product for the intended use and assumes all risks and liability resulting from his use of the product. Seller’s and manufacturer’s sole responsibility
shall be to replace that portion of the product of this manufacturer which proves to be defective. Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable to the buyer or any
third person for any injury, loss, or damage directly or indirectly resulting from use of, or inability to use, the product. Recommendations or statements other than
those contained in a written agreement signed by an officer of the manufacturer shall not be binding upon the manufacturer or seller.
PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
12780 San Fernando Road
Sylmar, CA 91342
USA
Telephone (818) 362-6711
Toll Free (800) AEROMIX
Fax (818) 627-3770
www.ppgaerospace.com
This document has been reviewed by the PPG's aerospace export control department and has been determined to contain only EAR99 controlled data.
Issued: 10/18
Supersedes: NEW
LIT#4613
Adhesion promoter application guide
Adhesion promoter Used with sealant Description & typical application
Use
For use with PPG’s PRC®, Pro-Seal®, and Permapol® branded polysulfide and polythioether aircraft sealants. PR-188 Polysulfide and Polythioether Low-VOC exempt solvent* AP. AMS3100 general purpose AP for
sealants metals, painted surfaces, and composite.
Introduction *Exempt solvent only in the USA.
The use of an adhesion promoter can significantly enhance the adhesion and bonding characteristics of polysulfide
and polythioether aircraft sealant to a desired substrate. In addition, the use of adhesion promoter can sometimes PR-1735 PR-1425 European equivalent to PR-142; used in certain European OEM
compensate for surfaces that are difficult to access and may not have been adequately cleaned and prepared. PPG processes.
always recommends the use of an adhesion promoter for repair purposes or when bonding to surfaces that are aged PR-1826AP PR-1826 General purpose AP for metals, painted surfaces, and composite.
and have already been exposed to fuel and other fluids. Recommended when using PR-1826 sealant.
The use of adhesion promoter will only serve to increase bonding characteristics and will not in any way reduce or alter PR-1861 PR-1425CF, PR-1829 Non-crazing AP for use with aircraft transparencies surfaces.
the sealant performance. However, prior to the usage of any adhesion prompter, there are several aspects that need Recommended when using PR-1425CF and PR-1829 sealants.
to be understood, such as substrate type and composition, type of sealant being used, type of application (such as
repair work), surface cleaning preparation, and choice or appropriate adhesion promoter.
The above recommendations are based on PPG’s internal testing, and customers should always refer to their own
specifications or process and validate new materials before implementing any design changes. Substrate composition
and bonding characteristics can vary greatly, and if there are any questions regarding proper surface preparation or use of
Adhesion promoter Used with sealant Description & typical application
adhesion promoter, please contact your local PPG sales representative or aerospace engineering services department.
PR-141 PR-1784 European non-crazing AP for use with PR-1784 on Application process
aircraft transparencies surfaces Note: It is important to read and understand the SDS, process specification, and technical data sheet before working with any
PR-142 PR-1425 Non-crazing AP for use with PR-1425 on aircraft chemicals. Always wear appropriate PPE as determined by your site health and safety specialist.
transparencies surfaces
PR-148 Polysulfide sealants such as AMS3100 general purpose AP. PR-148 is the recommended Surface preparation
P/S 870, P/S 890, PR-1422, adhesion promoter for both fresh sealing and repair work Existing or aged sealant that is being repaired should be scuffed with sandpaper or an abrasive mat to create a fresh, rough
PR-1440, PR-1750, PR-1775, when using polysulfide sealant. PR-148 is required for repair surface and to remove any loose particles. Depending on the surface conditions and process requirements, certain metals
PR-1776M, PR-2007 work over aged surfaces, or when bonding to other sealant may need mechanical cleaning by grit-blasting, abrasive mat or sandpaper scuffing. For bonding to painted and coated
chemistries, such as PR-2001 polythioether sealant. Suitable surfaces, please refer to the coating manufacturer for recommended surface activation procedures. Aged paints, primers
for use on metals, painted surfaces, and composite. Not rec- and urethane topcoats may require a light scuffing to reactivate the surface. Prepare composite surfaces as required by the
ommended on transparencies surfaces where crazing is a relevant process, either by removing the protective surface ply, or by scuffing with an abrasive mat.
concern
Contaminants such as dirt, grease, processing lubricants, and dust from sanding or grit-blasting must be removed to ensure
PR-148AF European aromatic-free version of PR-148
good adhesion prior to application of adhesion promoter and sealant. Immediately before applying adhesion promoter to
substrates, the surfaces should be cleaned with a solvent such as Desoclean® or another approved aerospace cleaning
PR-149 PR-1827 Special-purpose AP for use with PR-1827 solvent. A progressive cleaning procedure should be employed using the appropriate solvents and new, lint-free cloth
conforming to AMS3819 or as specified in the relevant process.
PR-182 Polysulfide and 0-VOC water-based formulation. AMS3100 general purpose
Polythioether sealants AP for metals, painted surfaces, and composite
PR-184 PR-2001, PR-1782 European AP for direct-to-metal sealing with PR-2001 and
PR-1782 on Airbus applications. Limited mainly to Airbus use
PR-186 European formulation of PR-187 for use with polythioether
sealants. Used in certain European OEM
processes.
PR-187 Polythioether sealants such General purpose AP for metals, painted surfaces, and com-
as PR-1828, PR-2001, posite. PR-187 is the recommended adhesion promoter for
most applications when sealing with polythioether sealants,
PR-2001 LW,
and is required when bonding over polysulfide sealant or for
PR-2050 repair work. Not recommended on transparencies surfaces
where crazing is a concern.
Substrate composition can vary greatly, and this will affect
adhesion promoter application and sealant adhesion.
It is recommended that adhesion characteristics to a
specific substrate be determined prior to application of
sealant on production parts or assemblies, especially in
the case of bonding to uncommon and exotic surfaces.
Carefully clean around the lid and mouth of the container to remove any
residue, and re-seal the container. Place the bottle back into the appropriate
storage environment as listed on the label. As long as the original
container remains clean and free of debris, and the liquid does not have any
contaminants, the adhesion promoter may be used repeatedly up to the listed
shelf life. Discard the container once any crystallization or contamination
occurs, or the shelf life expires. Small bottles, such as the 4 dram (12 mL)
vial that come packaged with a Semkit® are one-time-use only and should be
discarded after use
Application of adhesion promoter
Substrate composition can vary greatly, and this will affect adhesion promoter application and sealant adhesion.
It is recommended that adhesion characteristics to a specific substrate be determined prior to application of
sealant on production parts or assemblies, especially in the case of bonding to uncommon and exotic surfaces.
Good Bad
Open the container and ensure there is no crust or debris around
the lid, and no FOD or particles in the container. The adhesion
promoter should be a uniform liquid. If there are any particles and
crystallization in the liquid, or any other signs of contamination,
the container should be discarded.
Into a separate clean cup or suitable container, pour Lightly wet a clean gauze pad or AMS3819 wipe with the adhesion promoter. The gauze or pad should be moist, but
out as much adhesion promoter as will be required not soaked or dripping wet.
for the job, up to a maximum of what can be used
within 2 hours. Open time of the adhesion promoter
is affected by humidity, so discard any unused
adhesion promoter if it becomes cloudy or forms
particles, or has been open for greater than 2 hours.
If there is leftover adhesion promoter at the end of
the shift, discard it. Do not pour leftover adhesion
promoter back into the original container.
Good
After application of the adhesion promoter, place the parts in a clean environment and allow
Bad them to dwell for at least 30 minutes, or as recommend on the relevant adhesion promoter
technical data sheet or process specification. After the dwell time, sealant can be applied
directly over the areas treated with adhesion promoter.
If sealant is not applied within 8 hours of the adhesion promoter application, the surface should
be re-cleaned and Adhesion promoter re-applied.
Health and safety
This product is safe to use and apply when recommended precautions are followed. For information on the application of
coatings, read and understand PPG's aerospace, PRC-DeSoto "Safe Handling Guide". For information on the health, physical
and environmental hazards, handling precautions and first aid recommendations, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before
using this product. An SDS is available on request. Avoid overexposure. All mixing and spraying must be conducted with
adequate ventilation and proper personal protective equipment as recommended. Obtain medical care in case of symptoms
of overexposure as outlined in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Apply a thin, uniform film to the surface of the substrate by wiping the substrate with the wetted gauze or pad. Adhesion For industrial use only. Keep away from children.
promoter is not a paint or coating, it is not necessary to build up a certain thickness. A very thin layer, just enough to wet the For emergency medical information call
surface, is all that is needed for the chemicals in the adhesion promoter to activate the surface for bonding. 1-800-228-5635.
Be careful not to contaminate the gauze or pad when applying the adhesion promoter. If the pad becomes contaminated Additional information can be found at:
or comes in contact with a dirty surface, discard the pad, and get a new, clean pad wet with adhesion promoter. It is www.ppgaerospace.com
recommended to use a fresh pad after 2-3 application wipes. For sales and ordering information call
1-800-AEROMIX (237-6649).
There should be no pools or puddles of adhesion promoter on the substrate. If the adhesion promoter has been over-applied,
wipe it away with a clean pad, re-clean the surface, and start again. For help with sealant application, please refer to our aerospace sealants application guide.
Ideally, the adhesion promoter should dry in a few seconds if it has been applied correctly, however it may take longer to dry For any remaining questions, please contact your local PPG representative, PPG's aerospace engineering services, or call
at low temperatures or at high humidity levels. Recommended application conditions are 50-90 °F (10-32 °C) and 20-80% 1-800-AEROMIX.
Relative Humidity.
Water-based adhesion promoter, such as PR-182, may dry very slowly and have difficulty wetting certain surfaces. It may
require several applications or wipes of PR-182 to completely coat a surface with a thin film.
