What Are Born2Bond Anaerobic Gasketing Adhesives and How Do They Work?
Born2Bond Gasketing anaerobic adhesives from Bostik are single-component liquid gaskets designed as a direct replacement for conventional pre-formed gaskets on metal flanges. They cure in the absence of air — between mating metal surfaces — achieving 100% surface-to-surface contact. That full-contact seal creates a cohesive, durable connection that conventional cut gaskets cannot replicate due to surface irregularities and compression set.
Unlike pre-formed gaskets, anaerobic gasketing compounds do not require a bedding-in period after assembly. They resist vibration, oils, solvents, and water, and they actively prevent sagging and micro-movement under service loads. The result is improved stress distribution across the entire flange face.
What Are the Typical Applications for Born2Bond Gasketing?
Bostik lists four primary application categories for Born2Bond anaerobic gasketing products:
- Engines and powertrains
- Pumps and compressors
- Storage of liquids and gas
- Gearboxes and transmissions
Any metal flange joint that must seal against fluid or gas pressure — and that is subject to vibration or thermal cycling — is a candidate. The single-component format also supports easy-to-automate assembly processes, making these adhesives well-suited to production-line environments as well as maintenance and repair operations.
GA-18 Flexible vs GA-10 High Temp: Which Born2Bond Grade Should You Use?
Bostik offers two Born2Bond anaerobic gasketing grades. Selecting the correct one depends on service temperature and the strength requirement of the joint.
GA-18 Flexible uses a dimethacrylate ester base. Its viscosity range is 200,000–800,000 mPa.s (the higher-viscosity option), and it cures to a tensile shear strength on steel exceeding 725 psi per ISO 4587. Its temperature range is -67°F to 302°F (-55°C to 150°C), making it the preferred choice where maximum strength and flange flexibility matter more than extreme heat resistance.
GA-10 High Temp uses a modified acrylate base. Viscosity is 40,000–140,000 mPa.s — lower than GA-18 for easier flow into tight gaps. Its tensile shear strength on steel is below 725 psi (ISO 4587), but its temperature ceiling rises to 446°F (230°C), doubling GA-18’s upper thermal limit. This makes GA-10 the correct choice for high-heat zones such as exhaust-side engine flanges or high-temperature pump housings.
Both grades share a maximum gap fill of 0.25 mm and the same fixture time profile: initial fixture under 2 hours, full cure at 12 hours. Both are suitable for active and passive metals.
- Choose GA-18 when tensile shear strength >725 psi is required and service temperatures stay below 302°F.
- Choose GA-10 when service temperatures reach up to 446°F and strength below 725 psi is acceptable.
What Operational Benefits Do Anaerobic Gaskets Provide Over Pre-Formed Gaskets?
Bostik identifies several concrete operational advantages of Born2Bond anaerobic gasketing versus conventional gaskets:
- Less machining — liquid adhesives conform to surface imperfections, reducing flange finishing requirements.
- Reduced storage requirements — one product replaces a library of cut gaskets in multiple sizes and materials.
- Increased reliability — 100% surface contact eliminates leak paths created by uneven gasket compression.
- Higher power transmission — rigid, fully cured joints transfer load more efficiently than compressible gasket materials.
- Reduced costs — fewer parts, simpler inventory, and automatable application lower total assembly cost.
Outstanding fatigue strength and corrosion prevention are also cited as key features, relevant wherever cyclic loading or chemical exposure threatens joint integrity.
Summary
- Born2Bond anaerobic gasketing adhesives are single-component, metal-flange sealants that achieve 100% surface-to-surface contact without bedding-in.
- GA-18 Flexible delivers tensile shear strength >725 psi (ISO 4587) and a temperature range of -67°F to 302°F (-55°C to 150°C).
- GA-10 High Temp is rated to 446°F (230°C) with viscosity 40,000–140,000 mPa.s, suited for high-heat engine and pump applications.
- Both grades fill gaps up to 0.25 mm, fixture in under 2 hours, and reach full cure at 12 hours.
- Anaerobic gasketing reduces inventory, machining requirements, and assembly cost compared to pre-formed gaskets.
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