Vehicle manufacturers are improving fuel economy while reducing emissions by lightening the overall weight through material replacement. Using thermoplastics and adhesives instead of traditional screws and metals create less weight.

I have worked with companies that manufacture superglue and polyurethane glue, both of which are single-component, no-mix adhesives. Superglue, which is the common term for cyanoacrylate adhesive, has been around for about 60 years. In contrast, the polyurethanes are about 20 years old in the retail market and somewhat older in professional woodworking. I admit to using both types of adhesive regularly.

Among all chemical curing techniques, convection and radiant thermal curing represent the most widely used applications for adhesives and sealants. During the curing process, adhesives and sealants usually pass through two physical transformations—evaporation and condensation—while being applied to other materials.

Numerous technologies and patents cover debondable structural adhesives. For your small parts, however, I can suggest a few simple alternatives.

Jowat recently announced that Paulina Sierak, Ph.D., of BMW AG has been presented with the Jowat Adhesive Research Award 2020.