Adhesives & Sealants Industry Top Stories

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For more than 170 years, Lohmann has produced double-coated adhesive tape technology. To this day, it remains the company’s core business, with about 1,440 patents for adhesive bonds filed thus far.

A progressive cavity (PC) pump is a positive displacement pump that facilitates accurate feeding of medium- to high-viscosity materials such as thermal pastes or gels. It ensures minimal waste of material, reducing the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. PC pumps also provide many operational advantages, including continuous flow (doesn’t require reload), constant volume at variable speeds, no pulsation, and low maintenance. 

When someone mentions medical adhesives, the first thought that often comes to mind is skin adhesion. It’s understandable, since nearly everyone has worn some type of medical adhesive product—from a simple bandage to an electrode, athletic tape, IV cover, and so on. However, an entire world of medical adhesives goes unnoticed by many: diagnostics.

I always love putting together our annual sustainability issue. It’s inspiring and invigorating to see the industry’s exploration of the broad scope of activities we can engage in to address sustainability. I’m reminded, though, of a restaurant with a voluminous menu. Too many options can sometimes be daunting. How can companies be sure they’re making the right choices?

According to a 2019 report by the U.S. Green Building Council, the number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified homes has grown 19% since 2017. The current level represents an all-time high, with nearly 500,000 single-family, multi-family, and affordable housing LEED-certified units globally. More than 400,000 of these units are located in the U.S.

To address the evolving needs of the workforce and in evaluating the role that the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) can play in encouraging the continued health of our industry, we launched PSTC Tape Academy. The academy serves as a resource for individuals on a variety of career paths and in different roles, in addition to those who are new to the field of PSA tape or considering making a switch to our industry.

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.

A new advanced modified polymer sealants line combines the best attributes of traditional silicones and polyurethanes, enabling construction professionals and do-it-yourselfers to benefit from a sealant that offers superior weatherability and durability.

As more manufacturers across the adhesives and sealants industry embrace sustainable manufacturing processes, they are finding their decisions are also improving their financial bottom line. There does not need to be a trade-off, and green manufacturing is proving to be a win-win. 

Sealants and adhesives play an integral role in the building envelope. However, not all adhesive formulations are created in the same way or from the same materials. Some may actually interact negatively with various building materials or perform temperamentally in areas of the country that experience broader seasonal temperature fluctuations. Choosing the correct adhesive saves valuable time and reduces labor, as well as the likelihood of costly rework.