In our processing instructions for premixed and frozen adhesives, you can find out how these adhesives should be handled.

Among other things, we explain how to store these adhesives, how to thaw them and how long the possible processing time is.

Handling premixed and frozen adhesives

Henkel, the world’s largest adhesive manufacturer, offers various adhesives that contain reactive components such as epoxy resins and hardeners, which can react prematurely at room temperature or slightly elevated temperatures and must therefore be stored at -40° and transported with dry ice(dry ice shipment). These materials can be purchased in the online store of the Swiss Henkel distributor abovo.

1. store the product in a special freezer

Pre-mixed and frozen adhesives are shipped and delivered using dry ice. This prevents premature hardening of the adhesive. As soon as the frozen adhesives arrive, they should be stored in a freezer at a temperature colder than -40 °C.

In order to achieve such low temperatures of below -40 °C, there are special freezers that have a temperature recording system using a temperature sensor and a data recording device. If a fault occurs during cooling, the freezer triggers a visual and audible alarm.

You may also be interested in the following guide article: “Rules for handling dry ice“

2. only touch containers at certain points and use insulating gloves

When handling the container of a frozen adhesive, such as a cartridge, it should only be touched at the tip or upper end, i.e. the flange. You should also wear insulating gloves, as there is a risk that if you touch the container without such gloves, the temperature of your hands will cause the adhesive to retract into the cartridge body. This in turn can lead to unwanted cavities with air bubbles.

3. thawing process

The container, such as a cartridge, should always be in a vertical position when defrosting, i.e. never in a horizontal position. If the cartridge has a needle tip, this should point downwards, ideally using a holder or rack. The container should be handled with care when defrosting, as frozen containers are very fragile and can crack if handled carelessly.

The defrosting times depend, among other things, on the filling quantity or the cartridge:

  • Cartridge size 1-3 cc = 5 minutes defrosting time
  • Cartridge size 5 cc = 10 minutes defrosting time
  • Cartridge size 10 cc = 10-15 minutes defrosting time

In certain cases, it may be advantageous to carry out a staged thawing process in order to avoid the formation of cavities by means of an intermediate step. For this purpose, the cartridge stored at below -40 °C is first placed in a refrigerator at a temperature of around 0 °C for 30 to 60 minutes. Only then is the cartridge thawed further at room temperature.

4. dosing after thawing

Once the adhesive has thawed, it can be dispensed and the cartridge or container can be handled without insulating gloves once the contents have thawed.

If the adhesive appears too paste-like, this may be due to the fact that the material has not yet completely thawed.

5. processing time (pot life)

The possible processing time (pot life) of the premixed and frozen adhesive is slightly shorter than the processing time specified by the manufacturer in the corresponding data sheet in relation to the non-premixed two-component adhesive, i.e. in relation to the product that you would have to mix yourself. This is because the premixing, freezing and thawing of a premixed and frozen adhesive means that some of the actual possible processing time is lost.

6. no refreezing possible

Once a premixed and frozen adhesive has been thawed, it should not be refrozen. Otherwise, there is a risk of air pockets forming and moisture being absorbed. This in turn can lead to problems with dosing and curing, which among other things makes the reproducibility of processing processes impossible.

Depending on the product, there may be more optimal processing methods, which is why you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the respective product.

Advice on premixed and frozen adhesives

We at abovo will be happy to advise you on the processing and storage of premixed and deep-frozen adhesives.

Abovo has been an authorized distributor of Henkel Adhesive Technologies products for over 15 years; initially in the Henkel Electronics division and since 2022 also in the Henkel Industry division. Today, Henkel is the largest adhesives manufacturer in the world.

The best way to contact the adhesive experts at abovo is by telephone or e-mail:

  • Telephone number: +41 32 552 44 44
  • E-mail: info@abovo.ch