Columns

RSS

We are all familiar with the social science concept of unintended consequences—outcomes that weren’t foreseen or intended. History is rife with examples of well-meaning intentions that somehow went awry. In the 19th century, Australia introduced rabbits into the country as means for providing an additional food supply for its indigenous people.

Polyurethanes can be one- or two-component systems. The single-component systems comprise a polyester or polyether polyol that has been end-capped with an isocyanate.

It’s crucial for any business to plan ahead. Whether it’s setting long-term financial goals, weekly sales numbers or even deadlines for projects, having goals to hit is important for every company.

A definition of “bio-based” is a good starting point for this discussion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines bio-based products as those derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. Standardized tests have been developed (ASTM D 6866) to quantify the bio-based content of a product or a raw material.

Do reactive acrylics and anaerobics behave like epoxies in terms of curing and properties like heat resistance?

Adhesives and sealants have tremendous opportunities not only in the day-to-day bonding and sealing of products we come into contact with, but in larger-scale projects as well. This month’s cover story, “Replicating History,” examines how the Spitfire Heritage Trust was able to successfully build an exact, full-sized all-fiberglass replica of the iconic WWII Battle of Britain Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB from scratch.

What is the difference between a hardener, a primer, an accelerator, and an activator for adhesives and sealants?

The start of a new year is an optimal time to look to the past and make plans for the next 12 months. Here at ASI, we are constantly looking for new and more efficient ways to bring you the content you rely on.

Welcome to ASI’s annual Buyers’ Guide, a purchasing and applications resource for raw materials, equipment and services used to manufacture adhesives and sealants, pressure sensitives, and adhesives and sealants products such as tapes and labels. The Buyers’ Guide also includes supplier details for finished adhesives and sealants.

Longtime readers of this column may note that I have always been a fan of silicone sealants; however, I worked for a manufacturer of these materials for many years, so I hope I can be totally objective. I have no doubt that the durability and longevity of silicones cannot be exceeded in most applications. However, I can offer you several observations from my personal experience using them at home.