CHEMISTRY

Text: Josef Blažek

I am christening a new series focusing on modelling chemistry and tips associated therewith for both beginners

and advanced modellers. We will guide you through the

world of chemistry as it pertains to model technology

from basic construction to surface treatment all the way

through to finishing and weathering. We will assume the

use of readily available materials with a certain amount

of emphasis on Mr. Hobby (Gunze) products.

The first volume of this series is dedicated to adhesives.

The question of with what and exactly how

to glue plastic models together is as old

as the hobby itself. The answers change

with the passage of time as technologies

develop and along with them, trends. Currently, we find four types of adhesives

that are front and centre in plastic model

relevance:

• Solvent based adhesives

• Instant glues

• Dispersion adhesives

• Epoxy cements

The method and range of use varies and

it can generally be said that each of these

types has their usefulness. It is essential

to use the right adhesive for the right job.

Here, we’ll focus on Solvent based adhe-

December 2022

JOSEF BLAŽEK

sives, and so that the situation

Winner of international IPMS competitions in

isn’t too simple, even they have

Master categories and multiple Czech Repubtheir specific differences from

lic IPMS champion. Author of articles in inbrand to brand, despite our geternational magazines with worldwide reach

neral focus on Mr. Hobby pro(Military Illustrated Modeller, Cocardes Inducts. Solvent based adhesives

ternational, ModellFan, Modelář). Co-author

have no minimum film-forming

of modeling startup Plastic Invasion.

temperature (as do dispersion

types) and so no coalescence process will be observed.

After the application of the solvent, and nent evaporates, we are left with a very

its subsequent evaporation, signs of its solid and stable bond. The chemical propresence will be left behind in the form cess at work here leads to a cold weld,

of the polymer film. It is this polymer film and it is necessary to use these adhesithat, thanks to its adhesive properties, ves on materials that the adhesive is able

is responsible for the bonding of parts to etch. In other words, they are able to

together. Another type-specific effect chemically etch the material being glued.

of solvents on plastic is the etching Solvent type adhesives are not effective

of its surface. After the solvent compo- on materials such as resins (polyuretha-

INFO Eduard

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