Liimaine

Liimaine is a synthetic adhesive substance used to form durable bonds between a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, glass, wood, and many polymers. The term liimaine combines the Estonian word liim meaning glue with the -aine suffix used for chemical substances. It is described in technical literature as a versatile adhesive resin developed for industrial bonding.

Chemically, liimaine is a cross-linking resin system typically based on epoxy- or urethane-type reactive groups with reinforcing fillers. The components are mixed to initiate polymerization, producing a cross-linked network that cures at room temperature or with mild heating. Formulations are designed to be moisture-tolerant and to develop substantial strength quickly, with some variants offering gap-filling capability.

Properties of cured liimaine include high bond strength to metals, ceramics, and composites, good chemical resistance, and substantial toughness. It usually exhibits favorable thermal stability for many industrial applications and maintains flexibility enough to accommodate minor substrate movement. Viscosity can be tailored to provide good wetting and adhesion on rough surfaces.

Processing and applications: liimaine is applied as a paste, film, or insert, and cures through chemical cross-linking within minutes to hours depending on the formulation. It is used in aerospace component assembly, automotive manufacturing, electronics potting and encapsulation, construction repairs, and art conservation where strong, durable bonds and environmental resistance are required.

Safety and environment: handling requires standard industrial hygiene practices, including gloves and eye protection. Vapors may be released during cure, so adequate ventilation is recommended. End-of-life disposal follows applicable hazardous-waste guidelines.

See also: adhesives; epoxy resins; polyurethane resins.