Friday, February 03, 2012
Adhesive Groups
The list below provides a brief summary of the adhesive groups.
Heat-Cured Adhesives:
These include any adhesives which must be heated to promote curing.
Holding Adhesives:
Holding adhesives are used to hold surfaces together, but not permanently. They do not have to withstand a great deal of force. Adhesive tape is a good example of a holding adhesive.
Hot Melt Adhesives:
Hot melt adhesives are applied in the molten state and then harden. The adhesive substance is melted, applied to the surface, and then the parts are joined. Once the adhesive cools and solidifies, the joint is complete.
Instant Adhesives:
These include any adhesives that cure within seconds to minutes such as a Cyanoacrylate Adhesive.
Locking Adhesives:
Locking adhesives or sealants are used to prevent the loosening of threaded parts. Locking adhesives are placed on the threads of a bolt to prevent it from becoming loose from vibration.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives:
Pressure sensitive adhesives form bonds easily when pressure is applied. Pressure sensitive adhesives are used on items such as self-sealing envelopes and double-sided tape. The joint is made with very little pressure.
Retaining Adhesives:
Retaining adhesives are very similar to locking adhesives however they are used on non-threaded parts to prevent twisting or sliding.
Sealing Adhesives:
Sealing adhesives are used to prevent the passage of air, water, oil etc between two surfaces. An example is the caulking around windows.
Structural Adhesives:
Structural adhesives are capable of withstanding a significant load. The term ‘significant load’ implies that the adhesive must be able to with stand a great deal of stress. In fact, it could be said that in the absence of unnaturally high forces, the substrates could be considered to be permanently joined.
Ultraviolet Adhesives:
Any adhesives that cure when exposed to UV light.