LOCTITE® DRI 2045™: Withstands 220°C for 1,000 Hours in Rigorous Environmental Aging Tests

Overview

LOCTITE® DRI 2045™ is a medium-to-high strength pre-applied thread locking adhesive (microencapsulated / pre-coat type) designed for use on all common metals and passivated metal surfaces. It is specifically engineered to meet the demanding requirements of the automotive industry, offering outstanding high-temperature resistance and heat aging performance up to 220°C.

The pre-applied microencapsulated coating remains in a stable, dormant state on the fastener during storage and assembly. During installation, the microcapsules are ruptured by the compressive and shear forces of tightening, releasing the adhesive components and initiating the curing reaction. Once cured, LOCTITE DRI 2045 also functions as a thread sealant.

Key Product Specifications

Property Value
Chemistry Methacrylate dimethacrylate (two-part microencapsulated)
Components Part A: Blue adhesive liquid; Part B: Yellow adhesive liquid (low viscosity)
Strength grade Medium-high strength; meets automotive industry standards
Max service temperature 220°C
Coating shelf life 4 years
Solvent resistance Good

Curing Characteristics

Cure speed is close to that of all metal substrates; higher ambient temperature accelerates curing.

Friction Coefficients (per DIN 946)

Note: Friction coefficients apply to the specific test assembly only. Actual values are influenced by: surface finish, roughness, mating surface fit precision, lubrication conditions, tightening speed, and thread/fastener geometry.

Assembly Friction Coefficient (μ)
Phosphated Grade 10.9 bolt assembly 0.18
Steel Grade 10.9 bolt assembly 0.18
Magni554-coated Grade 8.8 bolt assembly 0.13

Environmental Aging Performance

After aging treatment under specified conditions, breakaway torque was tested at 22°C per DIN 267-27. Test specimen: M10 black oxide bolt with steel nut (non-pre-loaded condition).

Medium Temperature (°C) Aged 168h (%) Aged 500h (%) Aged 1000h (%)
Engine oil 120 100% 100% 95%
Engine oil 150 50% 50% 50%
Unleaded gasoline 22 85% 85% 85%
Brake fluid 90 125% 125% 125%
Water/ethylene glycol (50/50) 120 100% 100% 100%
Transmission oil 120 100% 100% 95%
Transmission oil 150 65% 70% 70%
Gear oil 120 100% 65% 65%

Values shown as % of initial strength retained after aging, tested at 22°C.

 

Heat Aging Performance

The chart below shows strength retention (% of initial strength, tested at 22°C) after continuous heat aging at 120°C, 160°C, 180°C, 200°C, and 220°C over 1,000 hours of exposure:

  • 120°C: Strength peaks above 150% at ~50h, then stabilizes at ~130% at 1,000h
  • 160°C: Remains at or above 100% throughout the 1,000h test period
  • 180°C: Drops to ~65% at ~200h, recovers to ~115% at 1,000h
  • 200°C: Drops to ~65% at ~200h, recovers to ~120% at 1,000h
  • 220°C: Drops to ~80% at ~200h, recovers to ~110% at 1,000h

All temperature conditions show strength recovery and stabilization after the initial aging dip, confirming LOCTITE DRI 2045’s suitability for sustained high-temperature service up to 220°C.

Compliance Standards

LOCTITE DRI 2045 meets the following OEM specifications:

  • Ford WX200
  • Ford WSS-M11P45-A1
  • Caterpillar 1E2486A

Applications

LOCTITE DRI 2045 is designed for pre-applied thread locking on fasteners used in:

  • Automotive powertrains: Engine, transmission, and drivetrain fasteners subject to high temperatures and fluid exposure
  • Heavy equipment: Caterpillar and similar OEM applications requiring long-term vibration resistance
  • High-temperature structural fasteners: Any application requiring sustained locking performance at up to 220°C
  • Thread sealing: Dual function as both locking adhesive and thread sealant after cure

Why Pre-Applied (Microencapsulated) vs Liquid Thread Locker?

  • No application at assembly: Coating is applied at the fastener manufacturing stage; no liquid dispensing required on the production line
  • Consistent coverage: Uniform coating on all threads, eliminating application variability
  • Clean assembly: No liquid adhesive mess on the production line
  • Long shelf life: 4-year coating shelf life on the fastener
  • Activation on demand: Microcapsules only rupture and cure when the fastener is tightened

Technical data source: LOCTITE® STS / DRI STS Technical Data Sheet (TDS). For complete technical specifications, refer to the official LOCTITE® TDS. This article summarizes core TDS parameters for reference only.

Content authorized for publication by FULLERKREG.

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