The monthly roundup from Editor Teresa McPherson.

This issue of ASI features our fourth annual Materials Handbook. This year's handbook has been updated and expanded with many new categories and their definitions, and an increase in supplier listings.

The listings are divided into four major categories: Additives and Chemical Specialties; Resins and Base Polymers; Pigments and Dyes, Dry/Dispersions and Extenders; and Solvents. Each category has several subcategories. The directory is set up with a definition of each material followed by the names of suppliers who furnish the material. Products are listed alphabetically under each major category.

While our staff made every effort to contact the entire population of materials suppliers to our industry, we may have inadvertently excluded some. If you are a materials supplier and would like to receive information on purchasing listings in next year's Materials Handbook, please contact Heather Ferrell at (740) 549-3947, or e-mail ferrellh@bnpmedia.com.

Automotive applications for adhesives and sealants are a large market area. Several articles this month focus on automotive applications, including an article from Scapa Tapes on pressure-sensitive adhesives for auto bonding (p. 19). EMS-Griltech examines a new adhesive technology for automotive bonding applications (see p. 34 for more information). An article from Dow Automotive on p. 28 discusses the innovations that have taken place in glass bonding technology and systems for the global transportation industry.

Editorial Advisory Board Update

I would like to welcome two new members to our Editorial Advisory Board. Dr. Anne-Marie Baker of Tyco Adhesives is director of Research and Development at Tyco and serves as PSTC technical steering committee chair. Alan Longstreet takes Larry Owen's place as ASC committee chair. Longstreet is group president, North American Adhesives, at H.B. Fuller. Owen remains on the board representing Franklin International as vice president, Business Development.

ASI Buyers' Guide Available

The 2005 edition of the ASI Buyers' Guide is now available for purchase. The website http://www.aecstore.com features an assortment of BNP Media market-research studies, buyers' guides and CD-ROMs relative to the architectural, engineering, and construction industries. Visit http://www.aecstore.com for more information.

Teresa McPherson is Editor of Adhesives & Sealants Industry magazine. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please address it to the editor. ASI Magazine, PO Box 936, Lapeer, MI 48446, or e-mail mcphersont@bnpmedia.com. Letters must include the sender's address, phone number, and e-mail address, when possible. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.