Adhesives come in a variety of chemistries and forms, and each has unique features that are formulated to solve a particular problem or need. Science has allowed for engineering very specific adhesives, and they tend to come in polar opposites: solvent or acrylic, clear or pigmented, removable or permanent.
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From epoxy adhesives to threadlockers, and everything in between, choosing the correct adhesive for your project comes down to the application it will be used for and the environment in which it will be applied.
To get the best results, ask yourself the following questions before selecting your adhesive:
What surface, container or product will the adhesive be applied to?
Adhesives attach to the surfaces of two substrates, unlike a process that fuses substrates into a unified whole such as welding metal or solvent activation of plastics. In selecting a GlueGun.com adhesive, surface condition must be considered: roughness, smoothness, porosity, coated, uncoated, cleanliness, flexibility, and size of the part. Check out our Surface Preparation Tips and Tricks for adhesive bonding.
Not every adhesive will work on every surface. For example, polyurethane adhesives are an excellent choice for finish carpentry and other woodworking projects, as they provide durability, impact resistance and flexibility in open times.
Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) adhere to most surfaces, and contact adhesives are particularly well-suited in applications where clamping is difficult.
Some adhesives, like epoxies, require thorough surface preparation (cleaning, roughening) in order to adhere properly. MMA's would be better for metal bonding in general because they require little or no surface preparation.
Hot melt glue sticks and bulk hot melt excel at bonding porous materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, as well as some plastics.
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What temperature will the adhesive endure or be exposed to during use, distribution and storage?
Many environmental conditions affect how adhesives cure and perform over long periods of time. One of the most significant environmental factors is temperature. Minor changes in temperature can have major changes in cure speed and storage life of adhesives. Most organic adhesives have maximum continuous operating temperatures and if exposed to higher temperatures for long periods of time their performance drops significantly.
Thermosetting adhesives such as melamine, phenolic and formaldehyde resins form strong bonds and have good resistance to higher temperatures. Silicone adhesives have a high degree of flexibility as well as a very high temperature resistance, making them excellent choices for marine or plumbing applications. As a rule, curing will be slower at lower temperatures and faster at higher temperatures.
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Will the adhesive need to be one that forms a strong, permanent bond, or one that allows the joined surfaces to be removed or re-positioned as needed?
Adhesive strength is the interfacial strength between adhesive and substrate, and usually the most important consideration when designing a strong adhesive bonded assembly. However, adhesive strength is not the only factor critical to creating an effective bond. Even when using the world's toughest adhesive, a bond will fail if the adhesive does not bond to the surface of the substrate.
Water-based adhesives are commonly used for laminating, they're also a lower cost alternative to resins. Hot melt adhesives can be melted or softened repeatedly by heat, or set by cooling, which allows for re-positioning during assembly. Often, removable adhesives are used as positioning aids during product build.
Polyurethane hot melt, more commonly known as PUR, is an adhesive that shares many characteristics of traditional glue sticks and bulk hot melt. That said, PUR hot melt is not dispensed in a traditional glue gun and can offer some additional bonding attributes that may fit applications that require a stronger bond or higher endurance to the elements.
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Will the adhesive be exposed to high humidity during end use, application or distribution?
Excessive humidity can cause adhesives to become more foamy in appearance or softer in quality. It can also result in film formation in certain curing agents. Some adhesives may not be affected by humidity within a certain range, but if condensation forms on top of a substrate, you can be assured that the bond strength will be negatively impacted.
Moisture and humidity will both have an effect on adhesion performance. Acrylic adhesives have excellent environmental resistance but because they are water-based, they are more susceptible to moisture which affects their application and durability aspects. When it comes to humidity, when it's low, drying is accelerated; when high, drying is slower.
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Even after all of these questions are answered, there's no guarantee a particular adhesive will perform exactly as you need it to. Adhesive testing is strongly recommended prior to production or purchase. When testing, some factors affecting bond strength you'll want to consider include:
At GlueGun.com we offer quality products and deliver great customer service in equal measure; our experienced professionals guarantee it.
If you have additional questions, or would like more information on the use of adhesives, custom formulations or application products, contact us for more information.
Adhesives play a crucial role in various industries and applications, enabling materials to be joined together with strength and durability. The technical performance of adhesives encompasses several key aspects that must be carefully considered when choosing the right adhesive for a specific task. In this article, we will explore the essential characteristics of adhesives, their implications, and the factors that demand attention during the selection process.
1. Processability
Processability refers to the adhesive's performance concerning the bonding operation. It includes aspects such as adhesive formulation, application methods, curing conditions, and the ease of bonding operations. For instance, multi-component adhesives require on-site mixing, chemically reactive adhesives necessitate specific temperature conditions for curing, and solvent-based adhesives may require a waiting period after application for solvent evaporation before bonding. Understanding these process-related factors is essential to ensure effective bonding outcomes.
2. Bond Strength
The bond strength of an adhesive is a critical performance indicator, determining the level of adhesion achieved between materials. Inadequate bond strength can lead to adhesion failure, resulting in delamination or detachment of the bonded materials. This is particularly concerning for applications like wall decorations where detachment could not only compromise the quality of the decor but also pose safety hazards. Ensuring sufficient bond strength is fundamental for reliable and durable adhesion.
3. Stability
Stability in adhesives refers to their ability to maintain bonding performance when exposed to specific environments or substances, such as water, oil, or other chemicals. The adhesive's resistance to degradation under these conditions is crucial to ensure long-term bonding efficacy. For instance, adhesives used in flooring, exterior walls, or bathrooms must exhibit exceptional stability to withstand exposure to various environmental factors.
4. Durability and Aging Resistance
Durability, or aging resistance, addresses the ability of an adhesive to maintain its performance over time. With the majority of adhesives being organic polymers, they are susceptible to aging, which can lead to a reduction in bond strength and eventual failure. Adhesives must be chosen with consideration of their anticipated service life to ensure reliable and long-lasting bonding performance.
5. Temperature Resistance
Temperature resistance reflects how well an adhesive performs within specified temperature ranges. This includes heat resistance (at elevated temperatures), cold resistance (at low temperatures), and resistance to thermal cycling. Temperature variations can alter the chemical composition of the adhesive and, consequently, impact bond strength, potentially leading to detachment. Thus, understanding the temperature requirements of the application is crucial for selecting the appropriate adhesive.
6. Weatherability
For adhesive applications exposed to outdoor conditions, weather ability is vital. Adhesives must withstand the effects of weather elements, such as rain, sunlight, wind, snow, and humidity. Weatherability also reflects the adhesive's ability to resist aging and maintain bonding performance under prolonged exposure to natural conditions. Selecting adhesives with excellent weather ability is crucial for outdoor applications.
7. Chemical Resistance
Many synthetic resin-based adhesives, as well as certain natural resin adhesives, can be affected by chemical exposure, leading to dissolution, expansion, aging, or corrosion. Chemical resistance is especially critical in environments where the adhesive will encounter aggressive chemicals that could compromise the bond. Understanding the chemical environment is essential for choosing an adhesive that can withstand specific chemical exposures.
8. Other Considerations
Apart from the mentioned technical performance criteria, there are additional factors to keep in mind when selecting adhesives. These include evaluating any potential irritant odor, toxicity, color suitability, storage stability, shelf life, and cost-effectiveness. Odorless and non-toxic adhesives are preferable for indoor use, and color-matching or white adhesives prevent visual interference with surface finishes. It is essential to check the storage period of adhesives, as expired adhesives may exhibit reduced bonding performance. Furthermore, weighing the cost-effectiveness of adhesives against their performance is vital to achieving optimal results within budget constraints.
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