November 14, 2022

The new 2K PU adhesive is designed for fast cohesion and with optimized open time

Henkel launches Loctite UK 2073-2173 for high performance exterior bonding applications

Düsseldorf – Henkel has introduced the new solvent-free and elastic adhesive Loctite UK 2073-2173, which is based on two-component polyurethane (2K-PU) technology, designed for superior performance on various substrates. With the launch of Loctite UK 2073-2173, Henkel is expanding its broad portfolio of 2-component polyurethane adhesives. As a longstanding partner to the automotive industry, Henkel enables the manufacturers to meet recent automotive performance requirements through reliable adhesion performance and a simplified manufacturing process.

Enabling reliable adhesion for various substrates
Loctite UK 2073-2173 is primarily designed for elastic exterior bonding of automotive plastic parts like spoilers, tailgates, roof systems, bumpers, luggage racks, but also for dashboards, and trim parts, made of different kinds of plastics. It is specifically adapted for use on low surface energy substrates (LSE) such as PP Talc, PP LGF, PC/ABS, PC/PET and bonds reliably without applying a primer. Loctite UK 2073-2173 ensures excellent elastic adhesion with an elongation of 300% and structural performance, enabling bonding of substrates with large differences in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE).

“Due to its versatility, elasticity and strength, Loctite UK 2073-2173 is ideal for exterior bonding applications. We are thus meeting the automotive industry's need for a reliable adhesive solution that can be easily applied to a broad range of substrates,” says Markus Rößler, Business Development Automotive Components Europe for Interior and Exterior at Henkel. “Our innovative adhesive products are playing a major role in optimizing manufacturing processes and providing high performance solutions.”

Facilitating manufacturing processes for greater flexibility
For the precise assembly of large exterior plastic parts, such as spoilers and tailgates, adhesives need to not only possess fast cohesion build-up, but also provide a short but sufficient open time, which is optimized in Loctite UK 2073-2173. With 3 to 6 minutes, the open time is ideally tailored for the assembly of large components like tailgates. After application, Loctite UK 2073-2173 cures at room temperature. To reduce cycle time, the curing process can be accelerated by increasing the temperature to 60°C - 70°C, at which the adhesive achieves handling strength after just one minute.

“With the ability to use a single adhesive for all substrates, without applying a primer and with significantly reduced cycle times, we have achieved the everlasting goal of facilitating the production process for our customers worldwide,” says Rainer Schönfeld, Global Market Strategy Director for Exterior, Powertrain, Interior and Chassis at Henkel. “Using our global network of customers and partners combined with our decades-long expertise, we develop customized technologies to enhance the performance and efficiency of our products.”

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2021, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros. The company employs about 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

Contact	Jade Zhuang
Email	jade.zhuang@henkel.com 

Press Office	Vincent Zimmermann
Email	Henkel.adhesive-technologies@emanatepr.com 

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

The following photo material is available:
Loctite UK 2073-2173 is primarily designed for the elastic bonding of automotive plastic parts like spoilers, tailgates, roof systems, bumpers, luggage racks but also for dashboards, and trim parts.