Liquid plastic glue for PVC windows: Cosmofen and other brands, composition, application, functions, average prices, customer reviews

Installation of PVC windows is a multi-stage production operation that requires compliance with many nuances and regulatory requirements.
The enclosing structure must ensure proper energy efficiency of the room, eliminate drafts, the spread of bacteria and the formation of mold.

To seal installation gaps after mechanical fastening of the window structure, polymer sealants based on silicone, acrylic or polyurethane are used. One such material is liquid plastic.

What kind of material is this for plastic structures?

Liquid plastic adhesive is a unique polymer composition designed for sealing joints between the PVC frame of a translucent structure and the opening in the outer wall.

This substance allows you to achieve the following results :

Used as diffusion cold welding to join plastic parts.
After application and polymerization, it forms a smooth, uniform surface that does not stand out from the general PVC construction material.
The chemical composition includes the same components as a standard plastic window profile.

Liquid plastic is supplied to the market in transparent or white form, is a one-component composition, and polymerizes upon contact with atmospheric air.

Compound

Liquid plastic is a complex polymer compound, the synthesis of which uses the following basic components :

Polyvinyl chloride compound, identical in composition to standard plastic.
Read also: Adjusting the pressure of plastic windows: instructions, photos, videos
Cyanoacrylate is a substance that gives structure and strength to the product after hardening.
A thermoplastic polymer designed to store a substance in a viscous form.
A hardener that reacts with atmospheric molecules to cause rapid polymerization.

There are household and professional varieties of liquid plastic glue. The compositions used by installation teams are supplied in two-component form, with hardeners. Depending on the concentration of the adhesive composition, the master has the ability to independently regulate the degree and speed of polymerization of the liquid substance after application.

Purpose

Liquid plastic is used in the following types of construction, installation and repair work :

When fixing auxiliary elements of PVC framing frames for translucent structures - window sills, slopes and other framing elements.
For sealing seams between homogeneous plastic elements when they are joined in a plane or in an orthogonal direction.
If necessary, install decorative elements for framing the window structure on both the front and interior sides.

Liquid plastic often replaces standard silicone or acrylic sealants, which protect installation gaps from moisture, dust, and solid pollutants from the atmosphere.

Specifications

Regardless of the manufacturer, pricing policy, glue volume and other parameters, all types of liquid plastic have similar technical characteristics :

The volumetric mass of the substance ranges from 990 to 1100 kg/m3.
Depending on the chemical composition, it can be supplied in liquid or viscous form, which determines the ease of application and the degree of penetration of the substance into hard-to-reach places.
It is characterized by an increased rate of polymerization - it begins to hold its shape without the possibility of adjustment within 2 - 6 minutes after application.
The strength gain after application lasts no more than a day until the composition is uniform with the main plastic element.
When using liquid plastic, special attention should be paid to the ambient temperature. Optimal parameters are from 20 to 25 °C. At temperatures below 5 °C, it loses its physical and mechanical properties, and the hardening of the substance practically stops completely.
When working with liquid plastic, care must be taken to ensure there is no excess humidity in the room. The maximum permissible concentration of water vapor should not exceed 55 - 60%.

After drying, the material should not change color. If the transparent composition begins to become cloudy, this indicates poor surface preparation or the presence of high humidity.

Main properties of COSMOFEN PLUS

Good ability to withstand temperature loads;
Characterized by good temperature stability and ultra-violet ray resistance;
The weather resistance of COSMOFEN PLUS HV adhesive required in window production was confirmed in 1988 by a certificate from the Institute for Synthetic Materials Technology in Würzburg, in compliance with the guides RAL 716/1 part 1 section 3.2.5 and the adhesive was declared suitable for use in window production ;
Various viscosities (achieved by dilution with COSMOFEN 380);
Thixotropic;
Fast hardening;
Available in different viscosities.

COSMOFEN PLUS glue consumption

20 mm wide approx. 8 g/linear m;
40 mm wide approx. 16 g/linear m.

Technical characteristics of COSMOFEN PLUS

Base: diffusion adhesive, vinyl chloride polymer in solvent;
Color transparent, white;
Properties of the adhesive film in the hardened state: viscous-hard, impact-viscous;
Viscosity cone-plane, +25°C, 30s -1 COSMOFEN PLUS approx. 3.100 mPa.s cone-plane, +25°C, 60s -1 COSMOFEN PLUS HV approx. (tix.) 4,000 mPa.s COSMOFEN PLUS white approx. (tix.) 4.000 mPa.s
Density EN 542 at +20°C approx. 0.99 g/cm³;
Opening time exposure time (at +20°C, 50% relative humidity) approx. 60 s;
Functional strength (when gluing non-tensioned planks) approx. 2-4 min;
Curing time (at +20°C, 50% RH) approx. 24 h (~90%);
Storage temperature in a dry room at +15°C to +25°C;
Minimum operating temperature from +5°C;
Flash point -14°C;
Ignition temperature +212°C;
Packing of 30 pieces of 200 grams;
Shelf life 18 months.

Composition requirements

When using a substance, it is subject to a number of technological and operational requirements :

High level of adhesion to plastic and other building materials.
Increased resistance to temperature changes, regardless of where the substance is used.
Mechanical strength of the material.
No shrinkage with subsequent crack formation.
Absolutely waterproof.
Resistance against exposure to weakly concentrated alkaline and acidic reagents.
Increased rate of polymerization and development of design strength.

Each adhesive composition is produced at the plant according to pre-developed specifications , which are issued after full-scale testing of the material. When purchasing a large batch, the manufacturer provides the client with a product passport, which indicates all the maximum operating parameters. When these indicators are achieved, liquid plastic does not lose the properties declared by the manufacturer.

Finishing slopes of plastic windows using liquid plastic

The installation process does not end with the installation of new plastic blocks and additional finishing of window openings is required. Therefore, after installing glazed window frames, there is always a need to finish the slopes. This is due to a number of reasons:

Slopes increase the thermal insulation of the room, maintaining its microclimate;
These elements serve as additional protection against noise;
The design of the window slopes gives the windows completeness.

In order for plastic slopes to look in one ensemble with the windows and perform all the tasks assigned to them, their finishing should be approached with special care and the connection with the window structure should be carried out as carefully as possible.

Finishing with liquid plastic is the final stage of the installation of slopes. With its help, you can successfully solve the problem of not only sealing slopes, but also decorating them. To do this, the joint area is treated with this polymer not only between the window frame profile and the slope panels, but also between the slope panel located at the top and the side facing panel. The seams perpendicular to the window between the side slopes and the window sill are sealed from below.

With proper, careful finishing, a single harmonious design of the window opening is obtained.

Rice. 8. Places for treating slopes with liquid plastic and their appearance after finishing

Famous brands

Despite the fact that liquid plastic is just gaining popularity in the consumer market, many well-known manufacturers specializing in the production of sealants are already producing this material.

This creates competition among factories, which ensures quality and an acceptable retail price. Among the most famous are the following brands:

Cosmofen

Products of a well-known German company with a worldwide reputation, specializing in the production of construction adhesives for more than 100 years.

The glue of this brand is different :

high quality;
reliability;
ease of application;
durability.

Can be operated at temperatures up to 80 °C, without loss of crystal lattice rigidity. After hardening, it does not emit odors, however, it contains toxins in liquid form, which is why precautions should be taken when working with it.

Supplied in convenient tubes, average price from 300 rubles. for 200 ml. It is applied in a thin, uniform strip when extruded, which eliminates increased consumption.

Creative

Domestic analogue of "Cosmofen". Supplied in 1000 ml plastic containers, transparent or white. It is a two-component composition with a hardener , which allows the master to control the speed and degree of polymerization.

After hardening, the polyurethane contained in the adhesive forms a structure similar to a standard PVC window profile.

The cost of the product is from 1200 rubles. for two bottles weighing 1 kg.

Artline Liquid Plastic

An American brand that produces polymer compounds. Transparent color and high viscosity ensure uniform application of the substance to the margin of error. The kit includes a hardener with an instruction manual.

Characteristics:

after hardening, retains its elastic structure;
has increased resistance to temperature changes;
does not crack in winter;
does not support the development of bacteria.

Retail price starts from 700 rubles. for a plastic container with a capacity of 300 ml and a hardener in a separate container of 100 ml.

Poly Art Fast

Two-component composition from a Russian chemical plant. One of the fastest-setting adhesives in this category. It has a beige color, which is convenient to use when installing window structures of cream or ivory color.

The cost of a substance with a total mass of 640 g is from 990 rubles. for a unit. When choosing a product, you need to make sure that it is original, since a counterfeit product does not provide the proper level of adhesion and strength. Before purchasing liquid plastic, you need to read reviews from real consumers online.

Criterias of choice

The choice of liquid plastic when installing or repairing window structures is an important step to achieve the desired result. When choosing a composition, regardless of the number of components and technical characteristics, you need to consider the following nuances :

Optimal viscosity level. The substance should not spread over the surface being treated, but at the same time, a composition that is too thick will not be able to penetrate into hard-to-reach places.
After polymerization and complete hardening, the glue should hold its shape, not crack and have increased resistance to impact.
High-quality liquid plastic can be painted in any color using acrylic compounds.
After drying, the glue can be sanded with abrasive materials without losing the structure of the crystal lattice.
The maximum polymerization period for a high-quality composition should not exceed 10 minutes.
After drying, the liquid plastic should have a neutral odor and not release toxic toxins into the atmosphere when heated.

When purchasing liquid plastic, you should familiarize yourself with the specifics of manufacturing the product on the manufacturer’s website. As a rule, a copy of the environmental safety certificate is also attached there, which states that the composition can be used in residential premises.

How to apply it correctly?

To apply liquid plastic, you should contact a professional installation organization. If this is not possible, this work can be done with your own hands , provided that the following flow chart is strictly followed:

The surface to be processed must be cleaned of dust, grease and other sources of contamination.
Before applying the substance, it is necessary to inspect the surface for the absence of cleaning agent residues or lint from rags or paper towels.
Experts recommend cleaning the surface with acetone-containing substances, which quickly evaporate into the atmosphere and do not contain greasy impurities.
After cleaning, the surface is dried with a hair dryer until traces of moisture are completely removed.
The tube with glue is opened, if necessary, the seal is pierced with the spike of the lid, and, in the case of using a container with a plastic cap, its tip is carefully cut off with scissors.
The tube with the dispenser is brought to the assembly seam or crack, after which the master begins to slowly squeeze the composition out of the container.
1 minute after application, the substance begins to polymerize and can be smoothed out with slight pressure using a plastic scraper or fingertip. Before carrying out this procedure, it is recommended to moisten the contact surface in water to prevent sticking to the adhesive composition that has not completely dried.

Before starting to use a plastic window, you should wait at least a day, since this is the period required for the final formation of the crystal lattice.

Errors and difficulties during work

When applying glue and surface treatment, the master can make a number of mistakes that will affect the result :

If dust particles remain on the surface, the glue begins to peel off after drying.
When applying the composition to a wet surface, the substance loses all adhesive properties.
In case of uneven extrusion or delay in the movement of the tube, the processing line will be uneven, which will require additional processing of the material.
When working with glue in subzero temperatures, the substance may lose its performance properties.
If the adhesive is not pressed after application, air particles may form between the contact surface and the substance, which affects the strength and uniformity of the material after polymerization.

Considering that the liquid composition contains toxic volatile substances, you should follow safety precautions when working - use gloves and a respirator.

Security measures

Safety instructions are indicated on the packaging.

Since Cosmofen products are flammable, do not smoke during operation or use them near open flame sources or heating devices.

The glue is difficult to clean, so you need to work in old clothes and gloves. During work, good ventilation of the room is done to minimize the ingress of glue vapor into the respiratory system. If ventilation is not possible, work in a respirator or fabric bandage. Not recommended for use by people prone to allergic reactions.

Pros and cons of use

Liquid plastic glue is actively used among amateurs and professionals due to its impeccable properties and increased reliability. Advantages of using glue:

After hardening, the substance forms a structure identical to a standard PVC product. Thus, a monolithic, unbreakable structure is achieved.
The adhesive properties of the material allow it to be used for cold welding of any polymer materials, regardless of the nature of the damage and the length of the installation gap.
Convenient for joining mutually orthogonal slopes or for sealing a plastic window sill board with a window frame.
The substance does not support the proliferation of microorganisms. Mold does not form on the surface, regardless of air humidity.
Adhesion does not occur through simple adhesion of particles, but at the molecular level, that is, the principle of diffusion of materials is applied.
After polymerization, the connected surfaces are absolutely sealed and do not allow moisture, grease deposits and dust particles to pass through.
Almost every composition has a fire safety certificate, which indicates an increased combustion threshold in the event of a fire in the room.
When placing liquid plastic on an untreated surface, not only better adhesion of materials is achieved, but also the smoothing out of minor defects.

Despite the large number of advantages, the substance also has a number of minor disadvantages :

Increased retail price. Using standard silicone, acrylic or rubber sealants is much cheaper.
Difficulty in correcting errors due to the rapid development of strength.
Rapid polymerization of the composition complicates the process of finishing the joint surface.

High-quality adhesive compositions serve without destruction and the need for replacement for up to 15–20 years, regardless of operating conditions and temperature and humidity parameters of the air indoors or outdoors.

User reviews

Many consumers who have had the opportunity to use liquid plastic glue when sealing PVC elements for translucent structures often share reviews with other network users and note a number of advantages and disadvantages :

No odor, quick application, high mechanical strength.
Hardening of the material too quickly after application.
The application of the material requires experience and skill to achieve a flawless result.
Ideal for sealing slopes made of PVC plates. Provides a monolithic permanent connection.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives should only be used under favorable weather conditions to avoid increasing the brittleness of the material.

Reviews from real users can be read here and here.

Flaws

Quick adhesion to the surface is a minus for beginners. You need to work with the mixture quickly and correctly, since there is little time left to correct the position of the parts to be glued.
The substrate to be treated must be completely dry. Only after complete polymerization can the seam be exposed to moisture.
Some products are difficult to remove from the surface if accidentally applied. To remove excess you need a special solvent.
Cosmofen is not good for gluing porous materials.
Fixed, non-elastic seam.
Cosmofen is highly flammable; fire safety regulations must be observed.

Average price for material

Depending on the popularity of the brand, the number of components and the chemical composition, liquid plastic supplied to retail outlets in the country has the following average retail cost per 100 ml of substance :

One-component composition – price from 70 rubles. for 100 ml.
Two-component composition with hardener – from 100 rubles. for 100 ml.
Adhesive compositions from well-known brands, for example, Cosmofen, from 180 rubles. for 100 ml.

The final price of a manufacturer or official distributor largely depends on such indicators as the volume of supply and the frequency of purchases. When purchasing a piece item, the price will be higher than the standard dealer price. In case of wholesale purchase from the factory, the price can be reduced by up to 30%.

Cosmofen Plus HV

It is used both in industry and for domestic needs. The universal composition ensures bonding of materials in a fraction of a second.

Liquid plastic can be bought both in regular construction stores and on the Internet. However, you should not be tempted by the price to buy sealant from scratch.

In most cases, they offer a fake that does not even half correspond to the characteristics and properties described above. The cost of this product is available to everyone and varies between 90 – 200 rubles.