Called thermoset polyesters, these materials are glass fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyesters. They are also often referred to as “sheet molding compounds” (SMCs), “fiber-reinforced plastics” (FRPs), or simply “fiberglass.”

Adhesives and sealants are an essential component of every equipment maintenance and reliability plan. With rapidly developing technologies and products, businesses need to stay on top of these trends. When implemented correctly, adhesives and sealants can play a critical role in improving equipment reliability and lowering maintenance and operational costs.

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Vehicle manufacturers are improving fuel economy while reducing emissions by lightening the overall weight through material replacement. Using thermoplastics and adhesives instead of traditional screws and metals create less weight.

I have worked with companies that manufacture superglue and polyurethane glue, both of which are single-component, no-mix adhesives. Superglue, which is the common term for cyanoacrylate adhesive, has been around for about 60 years. In contrast, the polyurethanes are about 20 years old in the retail market and somewhat older in professional woodworking. I admit to using both types of adhesive regularly.

Among all chemical curing techniques, convection and radiant thermal curing represent the most widely used applications for adhesives and sealants. During the curing process, adhesives and sealants usually pass through two physical transformations—evaporation and condensation—while being applied to other materials.