QUESTION: I see many so-called “five-minute” epoxy adhesives (and sometimes ones with even shorter cure times). Are these adhesives truly strong and durable?
Although five major bonding mechanisms are associated with adhesion promotion, two primary factors predominately influence the adhesion of any type of polymer to another substrate: chemical surface-to-surface interaction at the molecular level, and the wettability of the adhesive so as to enable surface spreading. Adhesion values can also be influenced by the matrix, or vehicle, that enables surface wet-out.
Adhesive bonding can be used to assemble identical materials or materials of different types; the purpose of such an assembly is to transfer mechanical loads in a given environment.
Industries ranging from automotive and consumer electronics to building and construction are designing and manufacturing products that call for increasingly sophisticated bonding solutions.
The ASI Top 25 is our exclusive ranking of the top 25 manufacturers of adhesives and sealants.
August 5, 2013
This issue of Adhesives & Sealants Industry magazine brings the ASI Top 25, our exclusive ranking of the top 25 manufacturers of adhesives and sealants.