Inspired by examples of hierarchical structures improving the properties of soft materials, the authors have explored methods to apply these concepts to waterborne acrylic PSAs made by emulsion polymerization. In this work, they attempted to build a sacrificial bond network into a PSA through multistage emulsion polymerization.

Inspired by examples of hierarchical structures improving the properties of soft materials, the authors have explored methods to apply these concepts to waterborne acrylic PSAs made by emulsion polymerization. In this work, they attempted to build a sacrificial bond network into a PSA through multistage emulsion polymerization.

Self-adhering flashing tapes work in concert with products like roof underlayment and water-resistive barriers (commonly called housewrap) to help ensure that a structure’s building envelope can maintain the desired interior environment while providing protection from elements outside. To that end, flashing tapes effectively serve as gaskets that are used around the fenestration, air vents, and pipe penetrations that are common culprits for moisture ingress and air movement.

Market studies indicate that the use of structural adhesives will continue to show significant growth in the coming years. Whether for first joining operations, maintenance, or repair operations, the use of paste adhesives offers many advantages compared to welding or traditional mechanical fastening, including ease of use, environmental resistance, sealing, stress distribution, and joining dissimilar materials.

Toyochem Co., Ltd., the polymers and coatings arm of Japan’s Toyo Ink Group, has launched a new low-odor, low-VOC acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.

After more than 20 years of sharing his expertise and wisdom in the monthly Ask Dr. Dave column, Dave Dunn has retired as a columnist. Here we share some of his most popular columns over the years.

A new solution has been developed in the form of pre-dispersed masterbatches of core-shell particles in (meth)acrylate monomers. These new liquid toughener dispersions are stable and have been proven to increase the toughness of acrylic materials. The utility of these tougheners has been demonstrated in light-curable thermoset formulations and in 2K acrylic structural adhesives.

Automotive adhesive tapes are lighter than mechanical fasteners such as screws and fasteners and simplify the automobile manufacturing process. The global automotive adhesive tapes market was valued at $8.7 billion in 2020 and is expected to account for $13.8 billion by 2028.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) offer easy application and secure bonding, including adhering wound care dressings to skin. Skin is a variable substrate, however, and consideration must be given to various skin types to ensure dressings can be securely attached and easily removed without skin damage.