RUBBER TOUGHENED INSTANT ADHESIVE
ADINOX® C388 Rubber Toughened Cyanoacrylate
Black. Impact Resistant. Heat Resistant up to 280°F.
Standard PackagingPresentaciones Estándar
Bottle
50 g
Bottle
454 g
Bottle (1 lb)
About ADINOX C388 - Heat Resistant Black Rubber Toughened Cyanoacrylate
ADINOX C388 is a black rubber toughened cyanoacrylate engineered for demanding applications where standard cyanoacrylates fail. As the only black cyanoacrylate in the ADINOX Serie C portfolio, its ethyl cyanoacrylate base reinforced with rubber particles delivers superior resistance to shock, vibration, and thermal cycling that no conventional CA can match.
As a heat resistant cyanoacrylate and impact resistant cyanoacrylate in one, C388 operates from -65°F to 280°F - the widest thermal range in Serie C. As a rubber toughened cyanoacrylate, it is the ideal solution for bonding rubbers, metals, and plastics in harsh environments. MIL-PRF-46050 Type II Class 2 qualified.
Extreme Durability - Rubber Toughened Formula
- Rubber toughened cyanoacrylate - absorbs shock and impact energy without brittle failure
- Vibration resistant - maintains bond integrity under sustained dynamic loads
- Tensile strength >3,480 PSI - exceeds standard cyanoacrylate performance
- Shear strength 2,900-3,916 PSI on steel (ASTM D 1002)
- MIL-PRF-46050 Type II Class 2 qualified
Extended Thermal Range - Heat Resistant Cyanoacrylate, Highest in Portfolio
- Operating range: -65°F to 280°F
- Softening point: 329°F - far above standard CA
- Withstands thermal cycling without bond degradation
- Suitable for under-hood automotive and high-temperature industrial assemblies - a true high temperature cyanoacrylate
Chemical Resistant - Superior to Standard CA
- Gasoline: 100% strength retention
- Motor oil: 100% strength retention
- Withstands industrial fluids encountered in automotive and manufacturing environments
Substrate Compatibility & Fixture Times
Substrate | Fixture Time (sec) |
EPDM Rubber | 15-35 |
Nitrile Rubber | 15-35 |
Neoprene | 20-40 |
PVC | 20-38 |
Balsa Wood | 25-45 |
ABS | 25-50 |
Aluminum | 25-50 |
Carbon Steel | 25-60 |
Polycarbonate | 40-80 |
Note: Fixture times measured at 68°F, 65% RH. Use ADINOX® 712 activator to accelerate fixture on inactive substrates or at low humidity.
Technical Information - ADINOX C388
Uncured Product Properties
Chemical Base | Ethyl cyanoacrylate, rubber-toughened |
Appearance | Black liquid |
Viscosity (77°F) | 350-480 cP |
Specific Gravity | 1.06 |
Flash Point | 185°F |
Shelf Life | 12 months (refrigerated, unopened) |
Cured Product Properties
Property | Test Method | Value |
Tensile Strength (Steel/Steel) | ASTM D 2095 | >3,480 PSI |
Shear Strength (Steel/Steel) | ASTM D 1002 | 2,900-3,916 PSI |
Fixture Time (Steel, 68°F, 65% RH) | - | 25-60 seconds |
Full Cure | - | 24 hours |
Operating Temperature | - | -65°F to 280°F |
Softening Point | - | 329°F |
Military Specification | - | MIL-PRF-46050 Type II Class 2 |
Chemical Resistance (Strength Retention After Immersion)
Chemical | Strength Retention |
Gasoline | 100% |
Motor Oil | 100% |
Trichloroethane | 100% |
Coverage (Approximate)
Package | Drops (1 drop ≈ 0.0017 fl oz) | Approx. Bond Area |
20 g | ~375 drops | ~375 in² |
50 g | ~940 drops | ~940 in² |
1 lb | ~8,550 drops | ~8,550 in² |
Note: Coverage is approximate and based on a 0.002 in film thickness. Actual coverage depends on surface porosity, gap, and application method.
How to Use ADINOX C388?
Surface Preparation
- Clean surfaces with ADINOX® DS 400 degreaser (or acetone) to remove oil, grease, and contaminants
- Surfaces must be dry and closely fitting for optimal bond strength
- For inactive substrates, apply ADINOX® 712 activator and allow solvent to flash off (30-60 seconds) before bonding
Apply Adhesive
- Apply a small amount of C388 to one surface only
- One drop covers approximately 1 in² at 0.002 in film thickness
- Excess adhesive slows cure time - use minimum necessary amount
Assemble Parts
- Press parts together firmly within 60 seconds of application
- Hold in position for the fixture time indicated for each substrate
- Parts should not be repositioned once contact is made
Curing
- Fixture strength achieved within the times listed in the substrate table above
- Full cure: 24 hours for maximum strength
- Curing is initiated by trace moisture on the substrate surface
Cleanup
- Uncured adhesive: remove immediately with ADINOX® DS 400 or acetone
- Cured adhesive: can only be removed mechanically (scraping, sanding)
- Keep nozzle tip clean to prevent clogging - replace cap tightly after each use
Get ADINOX C388 through our authorized distributor network. Available in 20 g, 50 g, and 1 lb bottles.
Join our distributor network and offer your customers high-performance adhesive solutions, backed by dedicated stock and technical support.
Become a Partner
Where to Buy?
If you are using ADINOX C388, you may be interested in
Si usa ADINOX C388, también le puede interesar
ADINOX® C301
Surface Insensitive Cyanoacrylate
Fast-curing, low-viscosity instant adhesive for general industrial bonding of metals, plastics, and rubber.
ADINOX® C50
Low Odor & Low Bloom Cyanoacrylate
Ideal for electronics and clean-room applications where blooming and odor must be minimized.
ADINOX® 712
Cyanoacrylate Activator
Accelerates fixture time on inactive or acidic substrates. Recommended for large gaps or low-humidity environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes C388 a rubber toughened cyanoacrylate different from standard CA adhesives?
ADINOX C388 is rubber-toughened, which means rubber particles are dispersed throughout the cured adhesive. This gives it significantly higher impact and vibration resistance compared to standard CA adhesives. It also has the highest operating temperature in the Serie C lineup (-65°F to 280°F) and delivers over 3,480 PSI tensile strength on steel. Its black color makes bond lines virtually invisible on dark substrates.
Can I use activator ADINOX 712 with C388?
Yes. ADINOX 712 is compatible with all Serie C cyanoacrylates including the C388 rubber toughened cyanoacrylate. Use the activator when bonding inactive or acidic substrates, when working in low-humidity environments, or when you need to fill larger gaps. Apply 712 to one surface, allow to dry, then apply C388 to the other surface and assemble.
Can C388 bond rubber to metal?
Yes. ADINOX C388 is specifically engineered for bonding dissimilar materials including rubber-to-metal assemblies. It achieves fixture times of 15-35 seconds on EPDM and Nitrile rubber, and 25-60 seconds on carbon steel. The rubber toughened cyanoacrylate formula ensures the bond can flex and absorb vibration at the rubber-metal interface without cracking.
What is the temperature range of ADINOX C388?
ADINOX C388 operates from -65°F to 280°F, the widest range in the ADINOX Serie C portfolio. Its softening point reaches 329°F. This makes it suitable for under-hood automotive, engine compartment, and high-temperature industrial applications where a standard cyanoacrylate would fail but a rubber toughened cyanoacrylate keeps holding.
Is C388 resistant to chemicals?
Yes. ADINOX C388 retains 100% of its bond strength after immersion in gasoline and motor oil. This chemical resistance, combined with its thermal and impact properties, makes this rubber toughened cyanoacrylate the preferred choice for automotive, heavy equipment, and industrial environments where adhesive joints are exposed to fluids and harsh conditions.
Why is C388 black?
The black color of ADINOX C388 comes from the rubber-toughening additives that make it a rubber toughened cyanoacrylate. This is a functional characteristic, not cosmetic. The black pigmentation also provides a practical advantage: bond lines blend seamlessly with dark rubber parts, gaskets, and black-finished metal components, delivering a clean, professional appearance in assembled products.
When should I choose C388 over C301?
Choose ADINOX C388 when the bonded assembly will be exposed to impact, vibration, thermal cycling, or chemical exposure. C301 is a general-purpose, fast-curing cyanoacrylate for standard bonding tasks. C388, a rubber toughened cyanoacrylate, is the upgrade for demanding applications: automotive assemblies, rubber-to-metal bonds, engine compartment components, and any joint that must survive harsh environmental conditions.
What should I look for in a high-performance black rubber toughened cyanoacrylate alternative?
When evaluating a black rubber toughened cyanoacrylate, the key specs to compare are: tensile strength (look for >3,480 PSI on steel), operating temperature range (minimum -65°F to 280°F for demanding environments), viscosity (350-480 cP is the sweet spot for rubber-to-metal bonds), and a recognized military specification such as MIL-PRF-46050. ADINOX C388 meets or exceeds all four criteria while offering 100% strength retention in gasoline and motor oil - a benchmark that most 500 cP alternatives do not publish.
Is C388 the right cyanoacrylate for bonding EPDM rubber?
Yes. EPDM is a notoriously difficult substrate for standard cyanoacrylates due to its low surface energy and high plasticizer content. ADINOX C388 is specifically formulated as an impact resistant cyanoacrylate with rubber-toughened chemistry that flexes with the EPDM substrate rather than cracking under thermal or mechanical stress. Fixture time on EPDM is 15-35 seconds. For best results on very inactive EPDM, pre-apply ADINOX 712 activator to one surface before bonding.