What is Sikaflex®-292i and why choose it?
Sikaflex®-292i is a non-sag, 1-component polyurethane adhesive specially developed for structural bonding in marine applications. It cures with atmospheric moisture to form a high-quality elastic elastomer with excellent adhesive properties and good mechanical strength. Thanks to its thixotropic, paste-like consistency, it offers very good gap-filling capability and can be applied on vertical and overhead joints without sagging.
The product meets the low spread of flame requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is Wheelmark approved. Its very low VOC content and solvent-free formulation make it suitable for use in shipbuilding and boat repair where demanding safety and environmental standards apply.
Main features and benefits
- Multipurpose marine adhesive: Designed for structural joints in marine constructions subjected to high dynamic stresses.
- 1-component, moisture-curing polyurethane: Ready to use, cures on exposure to ambient moisture.
- Non-sag, thixotropic paste: Very good non-sag properties for overhead and vertical applications.
- Good gap filling: Fills irregularities and gaps between bonded parts.
- High mechanical performance: Good tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance for durable structural bonds.
- Excellent adhesion on many substrates: Metals (including anodized aluminium), metal primers, 2-component paint systems, ceramics and common marine plastics such as GRP (unsaturated polyester resin) and ABS.
- Paintable: Can be overcoated once skin forms, after compatibility testing of the coating system.
- Wheelmark approved and IMO compliant: Meets low spread of flame requirements for marine use.
- Solvent-free, very low VOC: Reduced emissions compared to solvent-containing systems.
- Temperature-resistant: Suitable for service from -50 °C up to 90 °C, with short-term exposure up to 140 °C.
Technical characteristics
General data
- Chemical base: 1-component polyurethane
- Consistency: Thixotropic, paste-like, non-sag
- Color: White
- Cure mechanism: Moisture-curing
- Density (uncured): 1.3 kg/l (10.8 lb/gal)
- Application temperature (product and climate): 10 – 40 °C (50 – 104 °F)
- Optimum temperature (substrate and sealant): 15 – 25 °C (59 – 77 °F)
Curing and processing times
- Skin time (23 °C / 50 % r.h.): approx. 40 minutes
- Open time (23 °C / 50 % r.h.): approx. 30 minutes
- Curing speed: Moisture dependent; curing proceeds more slowly at lower temperatures and humidity (see manufacturer diagram).
- Shrinkage: 2 %
- Shelf life: 12 months (storage below 25 °C / 77 °F in unopened original container)
Mechanical properties (cured)
- Shore A hardness: 40 (CQP023-1 / ISO 48-4)
- Tensile strength: 3 MPa (430 psi) (CQP036-1 / ISO 527)
- Elongation at break: 400 % (CQP036-1 / ISO 527)
- Tear propagation resistance: 8 N/mm (45 pli) (CQP045-1 / ISO 34)
- Tensile lap-shear strength: 2 MPa (290 psi) (CQP046-1 / ISO 4587)
Temperature resistance
- Service temperature (continuous): -50 – 90 °C (-58 – 194 °F)
- Short-term temperature resistance:
- Up to 120 °C (248 °F) for 4 hours
- Up to 140 °C (284 °F) for 1 hour
Chemical resistance
- Generally resistant to fresh water, seawater, diluted acids and diluted caustic solutions.
- Temporarily resistant to fuels, mineral oils, vegetable and animal fats and oils.
- Not resistant to organic acids, glycolic alcohol, concentrated mineral acids, strong caustic solutions or solvents.
Packaging
VOC content
- VOC content: 23 g/l (according to Safety Data Sheet)
Applications and use cases
Sikaflex®-292i is engineered for demanding marine environments where structural integrity and long-term durability are critical.
Typical applications
- Structural joints in marine constructions exposed to high dynamic loads.
- Bonding elements in shipbuilding and boat construction where vibration and movement occur.
- Bonding of deck and interior fittings subjected to dynamic stresses, when compatible substrates are used.
Suitable substrates
- Metals, particularly aluminium (including anodized finishes).
- Metal primers and 2-component paint coatings.
- Ceramic materials.
- Plastics commonly used in marine construction, such as:
- GRP (unsaturated polyester resin)
- ABS
- Other compatible plastics after testing
Mineral glass and transparent plastics are not to be bonded with Sikaflex®-292 according to the product data provided.
Surface preparation
- Substrates must be clean, dry and free from grease, oil and dust.
- Surface treatment is crucial for a durable bond; refer to the appropriate Sika® pre-treatment chart for specific substrates and verify by testing on original materials.
Application guidelines
- Process between 10 °C and 40 °C (50 °F – 104 °F); keep in the optimal range of 15 – 25 °C (59 – 77 °F) when possible.
- Condition the adhesive to ambient temperature before use for easier extrusion.
- Apply using manual, pneumatic or electric piston guns.
- To ensure a uniform bond-line thickness, apply the adhesive as a triangular bead.
- Install parts within the specified open time. Do not join parts once a skin has formed.
Finishing and cleaning
- Tool and finish the joint within the skin time.
- Use Sika® Tooling Agent N or Sika® Slick as recommended finishing agents; other agents must be tested for compatibility.
- Uncured material can be removed from tools and equipment with Sika® Remover-208 or another suitable solvent.
- Once cured, removal is only possible mechanically.
- Hands and exposed skin should be cleaned immediately using appropriate industrial hand cleaners and water. Do not use solvents on skin.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of adhesive is Sikaflex®-292i?
Sikaflex®-292i is a 1-component, moisture-curing polyurethane adhesive with a non-sag, thixotropic paste consistency designed for structural marine applications.
2. On which substrates can I use Sikaflex®-292i?
It bonds well to metals (including anodized aluminium), metal primers, 2-component coating systems, ceramics and plastics such as GRP (unsaturated polyester resin) and ABS, provided the surfaces are correctly pre-treated and tested.
3. Can Sikaflex®-292i be painted?
Yes. Sikaflex®-292 and Sikaflex®-292i can be painted once the skin has formed. Compatibility of the paint system (especially hardness and film thickness) must be checked through preliminary tests.
4. Is Sikaflex®-292i suitable for high temperature areas?
It can be used continuously between -50 °C and 90 °C, and it withstands short-term exposure up to 120 °C (4 hours) or 140 °C (1 hour), according to the product data sheet.
5. How long do I have to assemble parts after applying the adhesive?
The open time at 23 °C and 50 % relative humidity is approximately 30 minutes. Parts must be installed within this period and before skin formation.
6. Is Sikaflex®-292i resistant to seawater?
Yes. It is generally resistant to fresh water and seawater, as well as to diluted acids and diluted caustic solutions.
7. Does Sikaflex®-292i contain solvents or have high VOC emissions?
No. Sikaflex®-292i is solvent-free and has very low VOC emissions. The VOC content reported in the Safety Data Sheet is 23 g/l.
8. Who should use Sikaflex®-292i?
The product is intended for experienced professional users. Tests with actual substrates and conditions must be carried out to ensure adhesion and material compatibility.
9. What should I do if uncured Sikaflex®-292i is spilled?
Contain and absorb with inert material such as sand, diatomite or universal absorbent. Collect into suitable closed containers for disposal according to local regulations, avoiding discharge into surface water or sewers.
10. What is the shelf life and how should it be stored?
The shelf life is 12 months when stored below 25 °C (77 °F) in tightly closed original containers in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Section 14 – Transport information
According to the available Safety Data Sheets, Sikaflex®-292i is not classified as a dangerous good for transport by the main regulations:
- ADR (road): Not classified as dangerous goods.
- IMDG (sea): Not classified as dangerous goods; not classified as a marine pollutant.
- IATA (air): Not classified as dangerous goods for cargo or passenger transport.
- 49 CFR (US domestic transport): Not regulated as a dangerous good.
Standard precautions for chemical products apply: keep containers closed, secured against damage and protected from moisture and extreme temperatures during transport.
Section 8 – Individual protection measures
When handling Sikaflex®-292i, especially in professional and industrial environments, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and hygiene measures must be used as indicated in the Safety Data Sheets.
Exposure controls
- Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined spaces, to keep airborne concentrations below applicable occupational exposure limits.
- Use local exhaust ventilation or general ventilation in mixing and application areas.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Eye/face protection: Safety goggles with side shields complying with EN166 or equivalent.
- Hand protection:
- Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves whenever handling the product.
- Suitable for splashes or short contact: butyl/nitrile rubber gloves (> 0.1 mm).
- Suitable for prolonged exposure: Viton gloves (approx. 0.4 mm, breakthrough time > 30 minutes).
- Dispose of contaminated gloves according to regulations.
- Skin and body protection: Protective work clothing such as long-sleeved garments and long trousers; safety shoes according to EN ISO 20345. Rubber aprons and protective boots are recommended for mixing and agitation work.
- Respiratory protection:
- If ventilation is inadequate or exposure limits may be exceeded, wear suitable respiratory protection.
- Use an air-purifying or air-supplied respirator with an organic vapour filter (Type A) selected according to expected concentration levels.
Hygiene and safety measures
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while using the product.
- Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling and before breaks.
- Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas; wash contaminated garments before reuse.
- Prevent release to surface waters, soil and drainage systems.
*Contenido generado por IA
