Loctite 401 Instant Adhesive 3g

Loctite 401 is a one-part ethyl cyanoacrylate instant adhesive. It cures with moisture, needs no mixing, and bonds metals, plastics and elastomers as well as porous materials such as wood, paper, leather and fabric.

Thin bond lines cure fastest and wider gaps slow the cure. For low-energy plastics, Henkel's data sheet calls for a Loctite primer before bonding.

Where this product is used

• Bonding metals such as steel and aluminium
• Bonding plastics such as ABS, PVC, polycarbonate and phenolic
• Bonding elastomers such as neoprene and nitrile rubber
• Bonding porous materials such as wood, paper, leather and fabric
• Low-energy plastics, after applying a Loctite primer

Features

• One part, no mixing
• Humidity (moisture) cure
• Under 5 seconds to 0.1 N/mm² shear on steel, aluminium, neoprene, nitrile rubber, ABS and PVC (22 °C, 50% RH)
• Transparent, colourless to straw-coloured liquid
• 20 N/mm² lap shear on grit-blasted steel (72 h at 22 °C, ISO 4587)
• Full chemical and solvent resistance after at least 24 hours
• Registered to NSF Category P1 as a sealant where there is no possibility of food contact (regional approval)

Key specifications

Available sizes

Selecting the right option

Loctite 401 is a general purpose ethyl cyanoacrylate for metals, plastics, elastomers and porous materials. For a much thinner liquid aimed at plastics and rubbers, see Loctite 406 Instant Adhesive for Plastics and Rubbers.

For a rubber-toughened grade with higher peel strength, see Loctite 435 Toughened Instant Adhesive 25ml. Where the bond gap varies up to 5 mm, see Loctite 3090 - Two Component Gel - 10g.

Using it

Bond lines should be thin, because wider gaps slow the cure. An activator on one surface only can speed the cure in large gaps, but it may reduce final strength.

On low-energy plastics, apply a Loctite primer before the adhesive.

Cure speed depends on the materials, the gap and the humidity. Fixture times in the Henkel data sheet are the time to 0.1 N/mm² shear at 22 °C and 50% RH. Full strength is typically reached in 24 to 72 hours.

Storage and handling

Store unopened, in a dry place, at 2 °C to 8 °C. Storage outside this range can adversely affect the properties of the product. Do not return used product to the container.

Limits and safety

Not recommended for pure oxygen or oxygen-rich systems, or as a sealant for chlorine or other strong oxidising materials. The Henkel data sheet states no operating temperature range; hot strength was tested from -40 °C to 140 °C and is shown on graphs in the data sheet.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Loctite 401 fixture?

Under 5 seconds on steel, aluminium, ABS, PVC, neoprene and nitrile rubber at 22 °C and 50% RH (time to 0.1 N/mm² shear). Polycarbonate takes 5 to 10 seconds.

How strong is Loctite 401 on steel?

Lap shear on grit-blasted steel is 20 N/mm² after 72 hours at 22 °C (ISO 4587).

What bond gap suits Loctite 401?

Henkel gives no numerical gap fill. Thin bond lines cure faster and wider gaps slow the cure.

Can Loctite 401 bond polypropylene or polyethylene?

The data sheet says to apply a Loctite primer on low-energy plastics. It does not name specific plastics or a primer number.

Does Loctite 401 have any approvals?

It is registered to NSF Category P1 as a sealant where there is no possibility of food contact, in and around food processing areas. Henkel notes this is a regional approval; check with your local Technical Service Centre.

How should Loctite 401 be stored?

Unopened and dry at 2 °C to 8 °C. Storage outside this range can adversely affect its properties.

Related products

See also: Loctite 406 Instant Adhesive for Plastics and Rubbers, Loctite 435 Toughened Instant Adhesive 25ml, Loctite 416 Super Bonder Instant Adhesive 25ml, Loctite 424 Instant Adhesive for Plastic & Rubber 25ml, Loctite 410 Black Toughened Instant Adhesive 20g.