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South African ‘world-first’ bonding and shock-resistant repair system

The iconic 13-tonne bulldozer at the entrance to the Pratley head office in Krugersdorp is suspended using a Pratley Wondafix® adhesive joint. Wondafix® is an epoxy urethane hybrid ‘world-first adhesive’ that combines the strength of epoxy with the toughness of urethane.

This truly unique bonding and shock-resistant repair system cures to a rubber-like material that is tough, strong abrasion and shock-resistant. Another feature is that it has a good coefficient of friction, which means it is ideal for making things like anti-scuffing feet for chairs and furniture, points out Mark Bell, Pratley National Sales and Marketing Manager for Adhesives.

This patented adhesive was developed in the Pratley laboratory and put to the test over the last three decades by successfully suspending the 13-tonne bulldozer using a Pratley Wondafix® joint at the Pratley head office entrance.

At the product’s launch, then CEO Kim Pratley even addressed the media whilst standing underneath the bulldozer. These outstanding adhesive properties are coupled with a high degree of flexibility. Pratley Wondafix® can adhere to leather, fabrics, canvas, nylon, rubber, metals, china, stone, pottery and ceramics, wood, Bakelite, fibreglass and more.

Suggested applications that showcase the versatility of the adhesive include repairing leather belts and shoe soles, patching castor wheel treads, making book bindings, casting gaskets, repairing ornaments (rigid and non-rigid), mounting or sticking articles that tend to vibrate loose, using it as a vibration mounting, repairing leaks or using it as a gland packing.

Pratley Wondafix® can even be used to mend broken PVC waste pipes. For an extra strong repair, soak the adhesive into an absorbent bandage or cloth and wrap it around the broken joint.

Wondafix® can be smoothed with a wet finger and will begin to gel within three minutes. It will cure in approximately 35 minutes, with 20% strength. It will achieve 60% strength in 4 to 5 hours and 100% strength in 24 hours.

Pratley Wondafix® is a 2:1 mix ratio. The surfaces to be bonded need to be clean and free from both oil and grease. Glossy surfaces should ideally be abraded or lightly sanded with sandpaper. Apply the mixed adhesive to the repair within two minutes before it begins to gel. To create an ultra-smooth finish, stretch some Cling Wrap over the mixed product, which will fuse smoothly with the Pratley Wondafix® surface.

To find out about more interesting products, applications and video tutorials and instructions, visit https://youtube.com/PratleySA.

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