Liquid cement, particularly for plastics, works by melting the two parts together to become one. Unlike traditional glues that create a separate layer forming a mechanical bond, liquid cement chemically fuses the surfaces it is applied to.
When applied to plastic, the solvent in the liquid cement dissolves the surface layers of the two plastic pieces. As the solvent evaporates, the dissolved plastic hardens, effectively merging the two pieces into a single, seamless unit. This creates a very strong, monolithic bond.
The performance of liquid cement can vary depending on its viscosity:
- High Viscosity: Resembles honey. May be better for gap filling or slower setting times.
- Medium Viscosity: Like olive oil. Offers a balance of flow and control.
- Low Viscosity: Flows like water. Ideal for capillary action, where the cement is applied to a joint and drawn into the gap by surface tension.
Each type of cement performs differently, so choosing the right viscosity is important for the specific application and desired result.
This process of chemically welding the plastic makes liquid cement a powerful tool for plastic modeling, repair, and fabrication where a strong, integrated bond is required rather than just adhesion.
