Welcome to the annual Raw Materials, Chemicals, Polymers and Additives Handbook! Our goal with this handbook is to help you source the materials you need to succeed.

Tariffs, trade deals, and acquisitions—oh, my! In response to continued uncertainties resulting from ongoing political tensions and changing market dynamics, raw materials and chemicals suppliers are undertaking a number of strategic initiatives.

The most desirable type of adhesive is one that sets quickly and has some heat resistance.

Most polymers have a low surface energy, which results in difficulties when further processing (e.g., coating, printing, or gluing) and requires the use of surface treatment to increase the surface energy.

Reactive hot-melt (RHM or HMPUR) adhesives are solid prepolymers terminated in reactive groups (-NCO-) manufactured from mixtures of solid and liquid polyester/ether polyols with isocyanates, which are very low in free isocyanates.

Whether it be rain, snow, sleet, or hail, outdoor lighting is fully exposed to the elements. Adhesives help outdoor lighting remain sustainable and well-functioning with permanent bonds and reliable sealing. In a residential neighborhood, seeing and being seen begins in the driveway. LED floodlights not only light the way for us and our cars, but also act as a deterrent to uninvited guests.

Liquid polysulfide polymers are aliphatic resins that provide beneficial chemical resistivity, weatherability, gasoline and jet fuel resistance, and gas barrier properties, as well as easy processability. In the cured state, these polysulfides feature plasto-elastomeric properties in which polysulfides can undergo self-healing.