Adhesives & Sealants Industry Top Stories - Articles

Ask Dr. Dave

Can you recommend a method for bonding aluminum to aluminum for use in an application for continuous immersion in water?

Dr. Dave shares insights regarding challenges and options for adhesive applications involving water immersion.

February 20, 2020

All adhesives tend to lose strength on immersion in water. Water acts in two ways on a bonded assembly: It can be absorbed into the adhesive and soften it, and it can degrade the interface between the adhesive and the bonded surfaces.

Meeting Modern Challenges in Bonding to Automotive Thermoplastic Olefin Plastics

Thermoplastic olefin plastics present unique challenges for pressure-sensitive adhesives in automotive applications.

Hillary Cole

February 17, 2020

Thermoplastic olefin (TPO) materials belong to the larger group of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). As such, they come in many formulations and can be molded into parts with different surface finishes. Increasingly used in the automotive industry as an alternative to high-cost, heavy metal materials, TPO plastics present unique bonding challenges for pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) manufacturers.

Strategic Solutions

Evolving Hybrid Adhesives

This first installment of a two-part series highlights the value proposition of today's adhesive chemistries and curing methods to high-value end-use markets.

Aggie Lotz

Robert K. Ddamulira

February 13, 2020

This first installment of a two-part series highlights the value proposition of today's adhesive chemistries and curing methods to high-value end-use markets.

Manufacturing Conversion: Transitioning from Conventional UV to LED Curing

While the process steps in a UV LED manufacturing conversion are slightly more involved than a direct-swap mercury replacement, the benefits are often significant and well worth the time and effort.

Carlos Alvarez

Pamela Lee

February 10, 2020

In industrial manufacturing, companies often push the life of capital equipment in the hope of optimizing operational costs by utilizing assets that have long since been paid off. However, when the line goes down and failure ultimately occurs, companies can be left scrambling to secure the necessary replacements to resume production. When direct replacements and spare parts are standard and readily available, this practice is justifiable and cost effective. In cases where replacement items have long lead times or have become obsolete and replaced by technology that is not a drop-in solution, waiting until failure can be disastrous to a company’s bottom line.

From the Editor

Sourcing Solutions for Raw Materials and Chemicals

The goal of our annual Raw Materials, Chemicals, Polymers and Additives Handbook is to help you source the materials you need to succeed.

Susan Sutton

February 6, 2020

Welcome to the annual Raw Materials, Chemicals, Polymers and Additives Handbook! Our goal with this handbook is to help you source the materials you need to succeed.

2020 Raw Materials and Chemicals Roundtable

In response to continued uncertainties, raw materials and chemicals suppliers are undertaking a number of strategic initiatives.

Susan Sutton

February 3, 2020

Tariffs, trade deals, and acquisitions—oh, my! In response to continued uncertainties resulting from ongoing political tensions and changing market dynamics, raw materials and chemicals suppliers are undertaking a number of strategic initiatives.

3M Announces 2019 Financial Results, Additional Restructuring Efforts

3M has initiated a restructuring that will reduce approximately 1,500 positions, spanning all business groups, functions, and geographies.

January 29, 2020

3M’s sales declined 1.9% to $32.1 billion, with an organic local currency sales decline of 1.5%.

Product Profile

Optimized Dispensing for Electronics and Automotive Assembly

An optimized dispenser series enables the dispensing of adhesives and sealants in small quantities for electronics, automotive, and similar applications.

January 29, 2020

ViscoTec recently launched its new optimized dispenser series for small dispensing quantities.

Ask Dr. Dave

What is your recommendation for bonding small ceramic tiles vertically to a fireplace surround?

Dr. Dave discusses the relative merits of various adhesives for tile fireplace surrounds, plus the effect chlorinated water may have on epoxies.

Dave Dunn Ph.D.

January 23, 2020

The most desirable type of adhesive is one that sets quickly and has some heat resistance.

Surface Treatment with Atmospheric Plasma

The chemistry of an atmospheric plasma surface treatment must be adopted to the targeted process.

Nicolas Vandencasteele

January 21, 2020

Most polymers have a low surface energy, which results in difficulties when further processing (e.g., coating, printing, or gluing) and requires the use of surface treatment to increase the surface energy.