TWI Frequently asked questions
Ceramics can be readily bonded using conventional organic adhesives. However, the temperature capability of these adhesives is severely limiting. Epoxy and phenolic adhesives can be used up to a temperature of about 150°C, and are commonly used to bond ceramic tiles to the inside of steel pipes for off-shore oil rig dredging, and also in the electronics industry.
A number of ceramic adhesives have been developed which offer a service temperature of up to 2200°C. These are based on inorganic binders such as alkali silicates and various metal phosphates, with a carbon, alumina, silica, magnesia or zirconia powder filler. These ceramic-based adhesives are available in one- or two-part systems, and have a physical form similar to organic adhesives. The binding agent typically undergoes a reaction with the ceramic powder to give a refractory ceramic that bonds to a ceramic base.
