Technical Data | May 2017

3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

Product Description
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series is a family of acrylic polymer based materials that are useful in many
engineered designs. They have proven to reduce vibration and shock problems in electronics, appliances, automobiles
and aircraft. These versatile materials can be adapted to a wide variety of applications including constrained layer
dampers, multi-layer laminates using metal or polymeric films, free layer dampers, suspension dampers, shock and
vibration isolators, panel, pipe and wing dampers and more.

Key Features
• Excellent viscoelastic damping performance
• Room temperature application
• Acrylic based polymer with long term aging performance
• Multiple thickness options

3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P02 and 112P05

Viscoelastic damping polymer

Release liner

Product Construction/Material Description

Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for
specification purposes.
Product Total thickness
number Marketplace formal name Primary liner without liner
112P02 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P02 58# Silicone Coated PCK Paper Liner 2.0 mil
112P05 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P05 58# Silicone Coated PCK Paper Liner 5.0 mil

Applications
• Designed to be used in damping applications as free-layer dampers, as part of a constrained layer damping
design or as part of a laminate construction
• Used for constrained layer dampers or multi-layer damped laminates with a variety of substrates, such as
stainless steel, aluminum and polyester
• May also be used in vibration and shock isolation designs
• Enhanced for thermal stability and offer excellent thermal stability and damping performance for long term
applications at moderate temperatures and also applications that experience short high temperature excursions.
• Market application areas include: automotive, aerospace, electrical mechanical and general industry
• Potential applications include disk drive and automotive cover constrained layer dampers, multi-layer laminates
using metals or polymeric films, suspension dampers, isolators, panel dampers, pipe dampers and wing dampers
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series
Application notes:
• Application of 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series requires a clean, dry surface free of
contamination for best adhesion and damping results
• 3M polymer series 112 may be used in applications outside their suggested damping temperature range with
acceptable damping performance, as determined by the user
• The polymers long term performance in an application is determined by the dampers end use design and the
environment it will be exposed to. The typical damping performance temperature ranges noted above are not
limits to an applications’ long term temperature exposure or short term higher temperature excursions. The
damper’s construction and application to a substrate will determine the long and short term performance of a
damper in a given environment.

Typical Relative Performance Data: Three Point Bending Vibration Test

Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for
specification purposes. Final product specifications and testing methods will be outlined in the products Certificate of
Analysis (COA) that is shipped with the commercialized product.

A three point bending test is a means to compare the relative damping performance of a 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping
Polymer 112 Series in a three layer laminate design. A layer of a 3M polymer 112 is placed between 2 outer stainless steel
skins. The laminate is placed into a test system to measure the damping performance of this laminate construction at a
specific frequency and over a temperature range. A system “laminate loss factor” can be determined. The laminate loss
factor can allow the 3M polymer 112 to be compared to other types of damping materials for their relative performance
at that specific test frequency, temperature and laminate dimensional design.

The three point bending data and the viscoelastic damping polymers nomograph may be used to predict the polymer’s
general performance range relative to other materials and at higher frequencies in a similar laminate construction
design. A general extrapolation to higher frequencies, which would shift the temperature scale on the existing 3-point
test graph, can be done by estimating from each polymer’s nomograph the shift in temperature (delta) that occurs when
the polymer goes from the three point test frequency (ex: 1 Hz) to a higher frequency that the polymer may be exposed
to in a similar but higher frequency application. The temperature shift is found by maintaining the same Loss Factor (Ex:
LF = 1 @ 1Hz & 5°C) and shifting the frequency to the desired level (Ex: from 1 Hz to 1 KHz) and determining the
temperature delta (Approximately 40-60°C for the 112 viscoelastic damping polymer).

Nomograph
The damping properties of 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series are shown in the “reduced temperature
format” nomograph. The nomograph shows the polymers’ Loss Factor and Storage Modulus for various frequencies and
temperatures in a single graph. The Shear (Storage) Modulus and Loss Factor are intensive properties of the viscoelastic
damping polymer alone.
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series
The Loss Factor and Storage Modulus are the key measurement parameters and determine the level of potential
damping capability that exists in 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series at a specific temperature and
frequency.

The Loss Factor and Storage Modulus are found for the 3M viscoelastic damping polymers 112 by selecting the
frequency desired of an application and extending a horizontal line from that frequency until the desired application
temperature isotherm is intersected. Extend a vertical line from this first intersection point of the desired frequency and
temperature isotherm so that it intersects the Loss Factor and Storage Modulus curves. The Loss Factor and Storage
Modulus values are found on the left hand scale by extending a line horizontally from these second intersection points
on the Loss Factor and Storage Modulus performance curves.

Nomograph
The 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymers 110 and 130 are shown for reference only. 3M polymers 110 and 130 have
been discontinued, but the data is presented as a reference for comparative design and material properties for
computer modeling usage.
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

Typical Total Outgass Material by GC/MS*

• 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P02: 10-30 μg/cm2 (hydrocarbons, organic acids, esters, alcohols,
acrylates and acetates)
• *Tested in accordance with a modified version of the ASTM 4526 test method

Typical Total Ionics by Ion Chromatograph

• 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P02: <1 μg/cm2 (chloride, nitrate, sulfate)

Typical Performance Values used in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Damping Applications
• Poisson’s Ratio for 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112: Approximately 0.49
• Density for 3M polymer series 112: Approximately 0.9-1.0 g/cc

Typical 90-Degree Peel Data*

Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for
specification purposes. Final product specifications and testing methods will be outlined in the products Certificate of
Analysis (COA) that is shipped with the commercialized product.

(2-mil aluminum backing @ 12" or 1"** min. peel rate: ounce 1/2 inch width)
3M™ Viscoelastic
Damping Polymer SS @ 15 min. RT SS @ 72 Hr RT SS @ 72 Hr 158°F
112P02 28 50 65
112P05 36 72 105
*Peel test results will vary due to substrate type and condition, backing material properties and the speed of the test set-up. Test
results may also be shocky in release from a substrate due to the storage modulus and bond characteristics of the polymer to a
substrate and the test conditions.

Typical Liner Release Values (180 degree Liner removal)

• 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112P02 - 26 g/inch width
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

Viscoelastic Damping Polymer Application Instructions

In many applications of the 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series to a constraining layer or substrate, the
polymer needs only pressure to provide adequate bonding at room temperature (21°C).

For high strain applications and/or some surface types, the damping polymers may require an additional surface
attachment means, such as a surface primer or epoxy bonding material to provide an adequate bond to a surface.

Surface preparation
Note: Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use when using cleaning solvents. Wear appropriate
personal protective equipment for sandblasting and grinding operations.

For an acceptable bonding of the 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series it is necessary for surfaces to be dry
and free of any wax, grease, dust, dirt, oil, scale or any other contaminants or loose or weakly attached surface finishes
or coatings. The importance of contamination free surfaces cannot be over emphasized. Typical cleaning solvents like
isopropyl alcohol or heptane can be used. More aggressive solvents may be needed for difficult to remove
contaminates.

Extremely contaminated surfaces may require special attention. Sanding or grinding will remove heavy contamination.
Follow with a solvent wipe as indicated above. Sandblasting and grinding to finish should be done ONLY on surfaces
completely free of oil, grease, wax, silicone-based materials or other organic residues. Sandblasting and grinding can
drive or push oils and other residual materials into the substrate surface leading to adhesion reduction or bond failure of
the polymer after an initial bond is made. Sandblasting and grinding should be done with materials that do not leave a
residue or grit remaining on or in the surface.

Surface type
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series will form good bonds when properly applied to many high surface
energy materials. Materials with a surface energy below 100 dynes/cm2 should be tested to determine if a suitable
development of an adequate bond for a given end use application will occur.

Application
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series is tacky at room temperature 70°F (21°C). The 3M polymer 112 requires
only rolling or squeegeeing methods to apply pressure to the polymer to make an adequate bond to a contamination
free surface. Air entrapment should be avoided to ensure a good bond.

A good method is to first attach one edge of the damping material and/or damper to the substrate, then gradually lower
the damper onto the surface at an angle (30-90°) while continually applying uniform pressure to the damper of 10-15
psi (6.9-10.3 x 104 pascals). A squeegee or wood/rubber roller will help maintain uniform pressure across a wide area.
Every effort must be made to avoid air entrapment while placing the damping polymer and/or damper on to a substrate.

The polymer’s bond will typically build with time or exposure to higher temperature.

The polymer’s silicone release liner is not intended to be part of an end use application.

Pressures above 50 psi (3.45 x 105 pascals) should be avoided for bonding. Temperatures above 250°F should be
avoided. Air entrapment should be avoided to ensure a good bond.

For high strain applications and/or some surface types and/or where geometric design restrictions limit the ability to
meet the desired pressure and temperature bonding requirements, the damping polymers may require an additional
surface attachment means, such as an epoxy bonding material to provide an adequate bond to a surface.
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

General damper design information

Most applications use 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series as part of a Damped Metal Laminate (DML = #1
metal or plastic layer/viscoelastic damping polymer/#2 metal or plastic layer) formed into a finished article (valve
cover, oil pan and brackets) or as part of a Constrained Layer Damper (CLD = Constraining layer of metal or
plastic/viscoelastic damping polymer) that is attached via the polymer layer to a structure to be damped (car door
panels and disk drive covers).

Selection of a viscoelastic damping polymer

The selection of a 3M viscoelastic damping polymer can be accomplished by determining the operating temperature
and frequency ranges of the application that is desired to be damped. The temperature and frequency ranges are used
with the Nomograph to determine which polymer has the most optimal performance (high Loss Factor and high Storage
Modulus) over the temperature and frequency range of the application. Some applications may require one or more
viscoelastic damping polymer types in a multi-layer design to ensure acceptable performance at all temperature and
frequencies of an application.

DML design information

Based on the temperature and frequencies range of the application, an initial 3M viscoelastic damping polymer can be
selected. The metal or plastic layers of the DML are selected based on the static, dynamic and/or acoustic
requirements of the DML application. Excellent damping occurs when the metal or plastic layers of a DML are equal in
overall effective modulus. For the same metal or plastic type being used in a DML design, this would equate to equal
thicknesses for each metal or plastic layer.

When the same metal or plastic layer types are used in a DML, the change in the ratio of the thickness of the layers to
each other effects the overall damping in the DML and DML stiffness. As a layer becomes a percentage thicker than the
another metal layer, while the DML maintains a constant overall thickness, the stiffness of the DML increases while the
overall damping is reduced as is shown in the following graph of the “Typical Effect of the Relative Thickness of Same
Type Metal Layers in a 3 Layer DML”. This graph would be associated with a typical three layer DML design with a
viscoelastic damping polymer thickness of about one mil and where the ratio of the metal layers combined thickness to
the thickness of the Viscoelastic Damping Polymer is in the range of about 20:1 to about 50:1.

The thickness of the viscoelastic damping polymer layer in DML design is typically two to five mils.

Very large displacement DML designed dampers to be used in high strain applications and isolator designs in a DML
configurations may use significantly thicker viscoelastic damping polymer layers.
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

CLD design information

Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for
specification purposes.

Based on the temperature and frequency range of the application, an initial 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer can be
selected. The metal or plastic layers of the CLD are selected based on the degree of damping and/or acoustic
performance needed in the application. The CLD is typically not designed to be a contributor to the static or dynamic
structural requirements of the end use application. The CLD will add some stiffness to a structure, but typically a small
amount compared to the structure it is being applied to.

Excellent damping occurs when the constraining layer of a CLD is equal in effective modulus to the structure’s surface
effective modulus that it is being attached to and the CLD also covers at least 90% of the vibrating surface. The CLD
will follow the basic “Typical Effect of the Relative Thickness of Same Type Metal Layers in a 3 Layer DML” graph with
respect to how effective the CLD may be when a CLD is attached to a structure of the same metal type. The closer the
effective modulus of the CLD is to the effective modulus of the structure surface, the better the CLD may perform.
Effective modulus equals the structure or constraining layer modulus multiplied by it’s typical thickness.

The typical CLD with an optimum constraining layer thickness design covers about 30-90% of the surface area of the
actively vibrating surface of a structure for acceptable damping performance. The CLD is typically placed in the area of
highest strain on the surface of the structure. The surface area covered is dependent on the degree of damping needed
to be effective for the application.

Cantilevered structures can achieve improved damping if the CLD is positioned near edges or the root of the structure
to be in the area of highest strain.

The typical CLD’s viscoelastic damping polymer layer is between two and twenty mils thick. Most typically two to ten
mils thick. CLD’s with very thick Constraining Layers or very rough surfaces may use a thicker viscoelastic damping
polymer.

A typical CLD will cover 50-80% of a vibrating surface, have a constraining layer with an effective modulus of
30-80% of the structures vibrating surface effective modulus and have a 3M Viscoelastic Damping Polymer thickness
of two to ten mils.

Note: A technical information and data in this document should be considered representative or typical only and
should not be used for specification purposes.

Storage and Shelf Life

The shelf life of 3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymers 112P02 and 112P05 is 24 months from the date of manufacture
when stored in the original packaging materials and stored at 21°C (70°F) and 50% relative humidity.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

The 3M Certificate of Analysis (COA) for this product is established when the product is commercially available from
3M. The commercially available product will have a COA specification established. The COA contains the 3M
specifications and test methods for the products performance limits that the product will be supplied against. The 3M
product is supplied to 3M COA test specifications and the COA test methods. Contact your local 3M representative for
this product’s COA.

This technical data sheet may contain preliminary data and may not match the COA specification limits and/or test
methods that may be used for COA purposes.

Final product specifications and testing methods will be outlined in the products Certificate of Analysis (COA) that is
shipped with the commercialized product.
3M™ Viscoelastic Damping Polymer 112 Series

Regulatory: For regulatory information about this product, contact your 3M representative.

Technical Information: The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are based
upon tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed.

Product Use: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s control can affect the use and performance of a 3M
product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product, user is
solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s
method of application.

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