Columns

RSS

For both specialty chemicals and adhesives and sealants, quality training is paramount. Ensuring the safety of employees and their ability to successfully operate equipment is the number-one priority. In these unprecedented times, workforce development issues seem to compound each other, making onboarding new operators and training long-term employees a necessary and integral part of a chemical plant’s success—in safety and in business.

It is with great pleasure, excitement, and anticipation that we officially host our first Tape Week event this May 2-5 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., with 500+ attendees from 100 companies and 10 countries expected. Representing both a reinvigoration of our historically successful Tape Summit and a refocus and expansion of PSTC’s reach, Tape Week is the only knowledge-building and networking event for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape professionals.

During COVID, clients and colleagues realized there was far too much risk in their supply chain. For the most part, they realized the stark difference in requesting help from in-demand suppliers vs. collaborating jointly with supply chain partners. Given the robust demand for raw materials to successfully support key customer needs, suppliers have no choice but to prioritize. There is little doubt they are prioritizing strategic and profitable customers, as well as those with long-term agreements.

At present, polymers do not have to be registered under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).  Nevertheless, a possible change in the treatment of polymers is envisioned in Article 138(2) of REACH, which may result in polymers being included in the registration requirements. 

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.

Few experiences are richer for adhesive and sealant professionals than attending a WAC. The event offers the complete package: networking, education, exhibition, repeat. On an international level. Like the Olympics, the conference occurs once every four years and rotates between Asia, Europe, and North America. The host association is responsible for organizing and delivering a world-class educational and networking event.

Room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicones are well-known for their extreme durability. They are convenient one-component sealants that cure by reaction with moisture from the atmosphere.

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. 

Bonding polystyrene foam to steel and wood is an application that was traditionally done with contact cements or other solvent-based adhesives. Due to health and flammability concerns, however, the modern trend is to use 100% reactive systems.