Adhesives
Adhesives are used across many different industries as bonding agents to join a wide variety of materials. Some materials require only simple glues to bond them, while others require hot melt adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, or advanced formulations. Most commonly, adhesives are used where strength, durability, and the ability to withstand environmental factors are needed; in such cases, structural adhesives are used. These specialized adhesives bond materials together such as metals, plastics, wood, and among others. They are used in automotive assembly plants, aircraft assembly plants, and laboratories. Interestingly, not all adhesives are equal; in fact, some can be dissolved in water. Most adhesives cannot function without a curing process, which can involve the application of heat or the evaporation of solvents. The final strength and durability of the bond depend greatly on the curing process.
Specialized applications like woodworking, automotive, and electronics depend on adhesives, but they must meet very specific performance standards. The chemical makeup of these adhesives can vary widely and is often quite complex. Even though welding, soldering, and riveting are suitable methods for joining materials, there are situations in which using an adhesive is preferable. When you consider all the applications where strong, effective adhesives play a vital role, the desire for making even better adhesives is a powerful driver of research in both industrial and academic laboratories.
More Information about Adhesives
There are many different types of adhesives, each for specific conditions and applications, and there are multiple factors to consider when choosing the correct product. Contact adhesives form high shear-resistance bonds with a rapid cure time. They are often applied in thin layers for use with laminates, such as bonding Formica to countertops, and in footwear, as in attaching outsoles to uppers. White glue, contact adhesives and rubber cements are members of the drying adhesive family. As the solvent evaporates, the adhesive hardens. Depending on the chemical composition of the adhesive, they will adhere to different materials to greater or lesser degrees.
FAQs
What is the chemical composition of thermosetting adhesives and can they be used in applications with high temperatures?
The chemical composition of thermosetting adhesives typically includes polymers like epoxy, phenolic, or melamine resins that undergo a curing process to form a rigid bond, making them ideal for applications requiring high strength and resistance to high temperatures.
Does the shelf life of an adhesive affect its viscosity and moisture content?
Yes, the shelf life of an adhesive can affect its viscosity and moisture content, as aging or improper storage can cause solvents to evaporate or chemical changes to occur, leading to thicker consistency and reduced performance.