Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure
Accelerated assembly and glazing adhesive and sealant for rail applications
Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is an accelerated adhesive system specifically designed for the rail industry. Curing of Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is accelerated by Sika’s PowerCure technology which makes it largely independent of atmospheric conditions. It is suitable for assembly bonding and glazing applications; its outstanding weathering resistivity and unique resistance to a wide variety of cleaning agents make it an ideal solution for use in exterior joints in the rail industry. Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is compatible with Sika’s black-primerless bonding process.
- Resistant to a wide variety of cleaning agents
- Passes EN45545-2 R1/R7 HL3
- Fast-curing by PowerCure Technology
- Very good weathering stability
- Very good processing and tooling characteristics
- Solvent-free
PRODUCT BENEFITS
- Resistant to a wide variety of cleaning agents
- Passes EN45545-2 R1/R7 HL3
- Fast-curing by PowerCure Technology
- Very good weathering stability
- Very good processing and tooling characteristics
- Solvent-free
Areas of Application
Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is designed for assembly and direct-glazing applications in rail, the commercial vehicle industry and for the repair market. It exhibits excellent tooling and application properties. With its superior resistance to a wide range of cleaning agents combined with outstanding weathering resistance, it can be used for exterior joints. Curing of Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is accelerated by Sika’s PowerCure technology which makes it largely independent of atmospheric conditions. Seek manufacturer’s advice and perform tests on original substrates before using Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure on materials prone to stress cracking. This product is suitable for professional experienced users only. Tests with actual substrates and conditions have to be performed ensuring adhesion and material compatibility.Product Details
| Chemical base | Polyurethane | |
| Color (CQP001-1) | Black | |
| Cure mechanism | Moisture-curing A | |
| Density (uncured) | uncured | 1.3 kg/l |
| Non-sag properties (CQP061-1) | Very good | |
| Application temperature | 10 ─ 35 °C | |
| Open time (CQP526-1) | 30 minutes B | |
| Early tensile lap-shear strength (CQP046-1 / ISO 4587) | (see table 1) | |
| Shrinkage (CQP014-1) | 1 % | |
| Shore A hardness (CQP023-1 / ISO 48-4) | 55 | |
| Tensile strength (CQP036-1 / ISO 527) | 6 MPa | |
| Elongation at break (CQP036-1 / ISO 527) | 500 % | |
| Tear propagation resistance (CQP045-1 / ISO 34) | 13 N/mm | |
| Tensile lap-shear strength (CQP046-1 / ISO 4587) | 4.5 MPa | |
| Service temperature (CQP509-1 / CQP513-1) | -50 ─ 90 °C | |
| Shelf life | 9 months C |
| CQP = Corporate Quality Procedure | A) provided by PowerCure | B) 23 °C / 50 % r.h. | C) storage below 25 °C |
CURE MECHANISM
Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure cures by reaction with moisture provided by the accelerator paste and largely independent from atmospheric moisture. For typical strength build up data see table below.
| Time [h] | Strength [MPa] |
| 2 | 0.2 |
| 3 | 1 |
| 4 | 2 |
| 6 | 3.5 |
Table 1: Tensile lap-shear strength at 23 °C / 50 % r.h.
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure is 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 and caustic solutions or solvents.
It is resistant to a wide range of rail cleaning agents if used according to the guidelines of the manufacturer. Some rail cleaning agents contain aggressive chemicals such as phosphoric acids which may influence the durability of Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure significantly. Therefore it is of highest importance to limit the exposure time to a minimum, observe correct dilution of cleaning agent and to perform a thorough rinsing after the cleaning process. Test newly introduced cleaning agents.
The above information is offered for general guidance only. Advice on specific applications will be given on request.
Application
Surface preparation
Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from grease, oil and dust. Surface treatment depends on the specific nature of the substrates and is crucial for a long lasting bond. All pre-treatment steps must be confirmed by preliminary tests on original substrates considering specific conditions in the assembly process.
Application
Setup the PowerCure Dispenser according to the PowerCure User Manual. If the application is discontinued for more than 15 minutes, the mixer needs to be replaced.
Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure can be processed between 10 °C and 35 °C but changes in reactivity as well as application properties need to be considered. The optimum temperature for substrate and sealant is between 15 °C and 25 °C.
The open time is significantly shorter in hot and humid climate. The parts must always be joint within the open time. As a rule of thumb, a change of + 10 °C reduces the open time by half.
To ensure a uniform thickness of the bondline it is recommend to apply the adhesive in form of a triangular bead (see figure 1).
Figure 1: Recommended bead configuration
Tooling and finishing
Tooling and finishing must be carried out within the open time of the adhesive. We recommend the use of Sika® Tooling Agent N. Other finishing agents of lubricates must be tested for suitability and compatibility.
Removal
Uncured Sikaflex®-268 PowerCure can be removed from tools and equipment with Sika® Remover-208 or another suitable solvent. Once cured, the material can only be removed mechanically. Hands and exposed skin have to be washed immediately using hand wipes such as Sika® Cleaner-350H or a suitable industrial hand cleaner and water. Do not use solvents on skin!