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Forum: RaftZone
Re: Need some help.. briere New
Re: Baltic rafts like Vanguard, Star, and Saturn rafts are glued PVC RAFTER77 New
Date: Nov 13 2007, 13:41 GMT
From: lrcable

	The original problem with glued PVC boats was two part. The first was that the original adhesives reactivated with heat and came apart, so that if you were paddling the Salt in July and the day time temperatures hit 110, you just might see you raft come apart at the seams. The newer adhesives used by Star and others have corrected that problem by developing adhesives with very high reactivation temperatures. The other issue with glued PVC is that the manufacture of PVC uses chemical compounds called Phthalates as softners in the process. As the PVC ages, it continously outgases these compounds. The unfortunate thing is that the Phthalates attack the adhesion property of the Glue, so even with the improved adhesives, the longevity of glued PVC boats will be shorter than welded PVC or glued Hypalon or Neoprene. I personally still prefer PVC boats. IMO, the wet abrasion resistance is still superior to hypalon and the base fabric makes most PVC boats stiffer under comparable air pressures. Most top end PVC (or ureathane boats)air holding chambers are welded instead of glued, which is a pretty permanent way to join the fabric. I hope this helps

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Great insight on PVC adhesion issues..thanks RAFTER77 New

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