On 14-Dec-2004, Norminn wrote:

Don't know what kind of plastic they are typically made of -
polystyrene, polypropylene?

Look for the recycling mark. There should be a triangle of arrows
with a number inside and some initials below. The initials identify
the type of material. For example:

PP - Polypropylene
PS - Polystyrene
PE - Polyethylene

etc.

Then you can determine which glue to use. Plastics like polypropylene
have a low surface energy and are very difficult to glue. There are
glues available, from companies like 3M and Locktite, but they are
very expensive - like $25/oz. What you need to find is a high surface
energy plastic that is easy to glue. Polystyrene is an example, but it
tends to be brittle.

You also have to consider what properties are appropriate - toughness,
UV resistance etc. Do a web search on the properties of plastics
and you'll find something. Don't get your hopes up for the low plastic
containers like Rubbermaid makes - they are likely polypropylene and
will not be glued easily.

Mike