May 2016 Issue | Adhesives & Sealants Industry

Window Film and Affordable Sustainability

Window film provides nearly all of the benefits of other green upgrades at a fraction of the cost.

May 2, 2016

Sustainability initiatives are becoming an expectation across all industries, especially construction. In fact, homebuilders report that, by 2020, more than 60% of their projects will incorporate green building materials.

A New Cure for Adhesives and Sealants

Ebeam technology continues to become more recognized as a safe and effective crosslinking and curing option.

John Salkeld

May 2, 2016

Long regarded as a highly specialized option for curing and crosslinking adhesives, coatings and inks, ebeam technology continues to earn a reputation for being both powerful and cost-effective.

3-D Vision Enables Challenging Adhesive Inspection Applications

A new generation of 3-D vision systems is being used to automate the inspection of adhesive applications that cannot be addressed with conventional 2-D vision systems.

Robert Tremblay

May 2, 2016

The key advantage of 3-D vision in adhesive applications is the ability to determine the width, position, height and volume of the adhesive that has been applied.

Tape Summit 2016 in the Sunshine State

The PSTC's Tape Summit 2016 comes to Orlando to showcase the latest in PSA tape know-how.

May 2, 2016

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) will host the 2016 Tape Summit and Spring Membership Meeting May 2-6 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The event will offer PSA professionals the chance to learn about the latest trends in PSA technologies and regulations, explore the exhibition space, and network with other industry professionals.

Market Trends

Pressure-Sensitive Tapes to See Strong Demand

Widening applications and increased construction activity are helping to drive demand.

May 2, 2016

U.S. demand for pressure-sensitive tapes is projected to increase 5.3% yearly to $9.3 billion in 2019. Growth will reportedly reflect continued economic expansion and the further development of innovative applications for specialty tapes, which tend to be higher performing, value-added products.

Advancing Adhesives

Material Solutions for Medical Wearables

Films allow sensitive electronics to be directly embedded more efficiently.

May 2, 2016

The global healthcare industry is experiencing an increase in wearable technology development, which can help improve the health of patients and lower health care costs. Wearable patches, despite still being in the early stages, hold enormous potential for the future.

Advancing Adhesives

Spider Silk Brings Adhesive Opportunities

Spider silk has the potential for industrial use in applications including ligament and tendon repair, advanced coatings, and bioadhesives.

May 2, 2016

Utah State University recently received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract with Salt Lake City-based Technology Holding LLC from the U.S. Army to continue research and development of spider silk manufacturing.

Strategic Solutions

Sustainable Raw Materials: How to Plan for Market Success

A business plan based on a clear understanding of decision drivers

Susan Anderson

May 2, 2016

Comprehensive initiatives designed to preserve and improve the environment are included in virtually all manufacturers’ corporate communications. According to the Sheldon Group, 25% of major brand owners have implemented scorecards to rate suppliers and products on environmental impact, and 30-40% more are being developed.

Regulatory Review

Transparency through an Agency Website? Maybe Not.

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEEHA) new website could create more confusion for the public at the expense of those doing business in California.

Mark Collatz

May 2, 2016

California regulators are at it again. In the name of providing transparency for consumers, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEEHA) may be on the brink of creating more confusion for the public―at the expense of those doing business in the state.

Ask Dr. Dave

Can you recommend a safe adhesive for bonding plastics?

With the correct choice of monomers, a UV-cured acrylic will give very strong bonds on these plastics and a crystal-clear bond line.

Dave Dunn Ph.D.

May 2, 2016

Question: We bond interlocking polystyrene and ABS tubes together with a solvent-based cement. Can you recommend a less hazardous and safer adhesive? The plastics are clear.

Q&A About Polyurethanes

What types of chemical structures could be built into a polyurethane adhesive to optimize heat resistance?

Formulation recommendations can be made to address each aspect of thermal stability.

Dr. Jeffrey F. Dormish

May 2, 2016

What types of chemical structures could be built into a polyurethane adhesive to optimize heat resistance? Can you make any formulation recommendations?

Editor's Memo

Service with a Smile?

No matter your job, a smile can go a long way toward making doing business more of a pleasure.

Teresa McPherson

May 2, 2016

I've just returned from the Spring Adhesive and Sealant Council Spring Convention and Expo, and noticed something that I don’t remember seeing as often at past industry events I’ve attended.