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Mar 10, 2010 - Hot Melt Raw Material Availability

This editorial describes developments that are taking place in on-line methods of tracking and controlling polymerization processes. Focus is given to a relatively new process (at least for thermoplastics) and one that appears to be very useful – dielectric analysis.

Talking about "tapping trees" for raw materials might still bring to mind 18th century scientists, exploiting the rubber ooze to make elastomeric adhesives. However waste from lumber mills can produce lignin- or tannin-based adhesives for wood laminates. Tannin can also be used to mimic mussel...

This editorial describes various technical alternatives to improving the toughness in structural adhesives. Toughening, when done correctly, generally results in formulation having improved impact resistance and peel strength without detracting from other properties. The ability of an adhesive to... (1 Member Reaction)

The first ever elastomeric adhesive was prepared at the end of the 18th Century, consisting of naphtha solutions of natural rubber. The trees that probably produced that rubber have probably been blighted by a fungus called Microcyclus ulei, which is now threatening the largest world's remaining...

This editorial looks at delayed action pressure sensitive adhesives, and describes formulations that can be heat activated. Major applications are linerless pressure sensitive tapes and labels, but other innovative uses are being explored. An interesting type of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)...

In May 2009, Henkel's latest Superglue formulation claimed the odd-sounding record of the "heaviest vehicle ever lifted with a commercially available glue". This achievement reflects the current capability of cyanoacrylates. Over recent years, Henkel, and its subsidiary Loctite have continued the...

This editorial discusses the requirements necessary to ensure the proper use of adhesive anchors. With the notoriety surrounding a recent failure and fatality, emphasis has been placed on the careful selection of adhesives and installation procedures. Adhesive anchors provide an important fastening...

The LED industry is lucrative and expanding rapidly, presenting a significant opportunity for suppliers of the encapsulants and adhesives. The holy grail for LED producers is general lighting, but costs must come down in order for their products to fully penetrate this huge market. Unfortunately for...

This editorial reviews how market growth originates from niche applications. We look at the recent history to determine what drivers were present to propel growth in the adhesives and sealants industry and then try to determine what new drivers may act as catalysts for the future. The overall...

Adhesives that react when exposed to ultra-violet light are becoming increasingly popular in high volume manufacturing because of the rapid and selective curing they offer. However challenges remain, and the latest methods developed to tackle them include dual-cure systems, hyperbranched polymers... (3 Member Reactions)

Cyanoacrylates are also used as adhesives for the human body and have contributed to saving many lives. This editorial reviews the state-of-the-art for high strength cyanoacrylate surgical adhesives and identifies areas of future research.Sutures, staples, and clips are considered to be the...

In today's era of nanotechnology researchers across the world seem strangely drawn to mimicking the way that geckos climb up vertical surfaces, attached via tiny hairs on their feet. While these novel dry adhesives exploit the same kind of forces that pressure-sensitive adhesives do, it appears the... (1 Member Reaction)

This editorial describes recent developments in the area of non-isocyanate polyurethanes. Such products are claimed to be safer and less toxic than conventional polyurethane adhesives and sealants. Yet, performance properties such as hydrolytic stability and chemical resistance are... (3 Member Reactions)

There are many adhesives out there that react to ultraviolet light in their curing process. But what if exposure to UV "turned off" rather than "turned on" an adhesive on demand? Efforts to produce pressure-sensitive adhesives which can be made less tacky where needed have been ongoing for over 30...

Notice the ever increasing number of flexible food pouches that are replacing metal and glass containers in your supermarket? These are called retort pouches and large food companies are taking advantage of technical advances of these innovative package designs.Retort pouches are made of multiple...

Manufacturers of thermosetting resorcinol-formaldehyde resins have recently been fighting financial pressure on both sides, from rising raw material prices and weakening demand. Resorcinol-formaldehyde resins perform a key role as an adhesive in the manufacture of waterproof wooden laminates. From...

This editorial examines what questions need to asked by the adhesive supplier when entering a new market area. There may be many opportunities present, but many questions and answers are needed to gain an understanding of the overall market and the customer’s specific requirements.

Dell has recently launched what it claims is the world's thinnest computer, the Adamo. This PC is just another example of a trend to slimline electronics. Liquid adhesives and adhesives tapes are playing a large part in how these products are made. Yet there is an argument to say that both...

Today's editorial looks at the process of labeling products relative to their environmental friendliness. It is apparent that there are many shades of "green", and that the meanings of these labels are becoming corrupted.

Adhesives' dependence upon petrochemically-derived feedstocks imposes limits on their sustainability. However, surveys demonstrate an increasing importance to manufacturers of the adhesives they use in meeting their sustainability targets.

Today's editorial looks at the condition of the economy and provides a quick attempt to compare the adhesives and sealants industry to the broader markets. It also shows how opportunities may be hidden in the despair.

Adhesives are a great example of how food production and extraction of useful chemicals can coexist. Starch boiled out in the process of turning cassava root into an edible flour offers a very low cost feedstock.

In general, the growth of adhesives and sealants is projected to outpace the growth of the broader building and construction market. (1 Member Reaction)

The sudden change from rising to falling raw material prices in 2008 appears to demand a rapid reversal in mindset by adhesive manufacturers.

Benchmarking is generally used to compare the best practices of companies within a specific business sector such as structural adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, construction sealants, etc.

The stiffness of a bond often trades off against fracture toughness - as in glass, which is very stiff but through which cracks propagate readily.

Today's editorial looks at the process of gathering competitive intelligence through patent mapping. Patent information provides a vital resource to help stay abreast of changes in technology.

The solvent controls their viscosity, open time, tack and adhesion. It helps provide contact adhesives with enough cohesive strength and 'knitting ability' that two surfaces coated with the adhesive have green strength immediately after they are brought together.

The Internet is arguably one of most remarkable achievements of the 20th century. Developed by defense and academic institutions to facilitate technical communication, it has now crossed the threshold of every segment of industry and society.

On 18 April 2008 Mynor De Leon fell into a barrel of adhesives at Andover Healthcare in Salisbury, Massachussetts when working alone.

This editorial reviews the considerations that are necessary when designing a sealant system.

In 2007, Richard Gurley Drew was inducted into the US National Inventors Hall of Fame for the invention of the first modern pressure sensitive tapes.

This editorial takes a look at one of nature's most abundant materials and also one that is given environmentalists nightmares - carbon dioxide. What if we could use good old CO2 as a polymeric feedstock? Brilliant!

Roses are able to bond water strongly, but exhibit superhydrophobicity that forces the liquid into round droplets.

How would you feel if someone stole your ideas, or passed themselves off as you? As individuals, the increased threat of identity theft is one of the most worrying developments of the digital age.

Today's editorial takes a look at advanced silicone technologies that someday may be the norm in sealant systems. They may propel silicone sealants past their currently lofty performance properties... (1 Member Reaction)

Many products rely on polymer-polymer interactions for adhesion. Tie layers, hot melts, and solvent cements are only a few products, which rely on these interactions to provide good adhesion...

Say it quietly: adhesives are widely used in construction and maintenance of aircraft. It's the kind of fact that can shock those that don't already know, as they mentally transfer sticky-fingered home gluing experiences to the aircraft hanger.

Scarcity and cost of resources are big issues in the modern world. For example, Dow Chemical recently said that it will raise prices generally by 20 percent due to rising costs of energy and feedstocks.

There are many applications for epoxy adhesives in civil engineering applications. This week's editorial takes a broad look at the reasons why epoxies are highly valued in these projects and where the development of these materials may take us.

Sealants generally have one requirement that adhesives often do not. This is appearance. Today's editorial looks at the function of appearance or aesthetics when it comes to selecting and applying a sealant...

Can an adhesive grow on trees? Today's editorial looks at one that does. And it is a very effective pressure sensitive adhesive that even comes pre-packaged...

It can be hard to imagine what the world was like before glue, and if we wanted to find out we'd have to go back thousands of years. At the beginning of 2008 this point was emphasised when a helmet decorated with silver laurel leaves fastened by 2000-year old Roman glue was exhibited in Germany...

The supply of polychloroprene has caused elastomeric adhesive makers problems for several years now, and the past few months have seen still more upheaval...

The end of 2007 saw some major upheavals in the automotive sealant market.

Everyone is trying to operate faster and more efficiently these days. Fortunately, several experimental design methods allow formulators to significantly reduce development time and yet maintain or improve product quality...

In 1968 Spencer Silver, while experimenting with some new monomers he'd obtained as part of 3M's "Polymers for Adhesives" research program1, concocted a formulation that went against the received wisdom of textbooks and more experienced colleagues...

For many of us, the first adhesive / sealant that we used was an auto body patching compound. Relatively simple to use, inexpensive and functional, this all-purpose sealing, smoothing, and mortar material is still a mainstay in many repair shops and garages... (1 Member Reaction)

On November 7, a popular art and craft toy was recalled from shops across the world, because of a toxic solvent used in its coating. Known as Aqua Dots in the US and Bindeez in Australia, the toy comprises resin beads coated with an adhesive that sticks the beads together when moistened...

Epoxy based adhesives have long been used for fabrication of structural joints. They are especially valued in the automotive and aerospace industries for joining composite and aluminum parts. While these materials must have high bond strength, they also must be resistant to failure resulting from...

Sometimes the formulator has a choice of either trying to develop a solvent borne PSA or a hot melt PSA. Although the formulation components may be identical, significantly different final properties could result. Today's editorial explores reasons for this occurrence...

In the world today, there is a clear need for water-based adhesives across basically all possible applications. As health, safety and environmental legislation tightens and pressure on fossil fuel reserves increases there are many strong drivers pushing wider use of water based adhesives...

This week's editorial describes a family of adhesives with very unusual characteristics. These are snap-cure thermoset adhesives. They possess low shrinkage, low stress, and fast cure...

If you can handle months without sunlight in the winter, Nordic countries have an enviable standard of living, amongst the highest in the world today. Tying in closely with this, they also have some of the tightest environmental, health and safety legislation...

One of the most demanding applications for adhesives is the conservation of works of art on paper. This requires not only performance characteristics that are challenging, but also the necessity that the adhesive be removable...

This week's editorial looks at the animal world as a source of adhesives. These early bioadhesives have contributed substantially to the growth of the adhesive industry and to the growth of society in general. Tomorrow, animal adhesives could well provide the key to the future...

In this week's editorial a recent and very well publicized possible adhesive failure, Boston's Big Dig Project, is examined. Potential reasons for failures are identified. As with most accidents there may be a multiplicity of events that contributed to the problem...

There are a couple of "rules-of-thumb" that I keep in mind. At the minimum, these generally provide some guidance when no other information is available. Two such rules are related to the moisture resistance of epoxy adhesives...

Today's editorial looks at the process of gathering patent information through an Internet based search. Patent information provides a vital resource to help stay ahead in today's global race to innovate.

Even fast drying polyvinyl acetate emulsion adhesives are too slow for some applications such as furniture assembly and edge banding. Microwave heating technology can be used to significantly reduce the drying or curing time...

In-mold labeling is an example of where heat activated adhesives are gaining leverage. The value proposition includes avoidance of a secondary processing step (label application) and the popular "no-label" look...

Release liners are not always required when constructing a pressure sensitive adhesive product. In fact, there are distinct cases when a liner is not wanted. Today's editorial will consider the possibility of eliminating the release liner...

The ease in which an adhesive or sealant wets (makes intimate contact) a substrate surface and the work necessary to separate the adhesive from the substrate can be related to the surface energies of the adhesive, substrate, and subsequent interface...

In this editorial we will try to get into a festive spirit by looking at how adhesives contribute to the holiday season. One only has to look at the craft section of a supply store to see that toy makers and jewelers are not the only ones enjoying the month of December...

Biodegradable polymers have several potential advantages in adhesive formulation. This week's editorial looks at their prospects to reduce and stabilize raw material prices. It also explains that this technology is not so new after all...

This week's editorial takes a look at edible polymers in food packaging and adhesive applications. In these unique applications a food product is considered to be the substrate, and the adhesive must meet the ultimate food standard – the digestive process of the formulator...

Solvents can be a significant source of environmental harm, especially if they are used liberally to clean substrates or remove resinous residue from processing equipment. Fortunately, newer environmentally friendly solvents have come onto the scene...

This week’s editorial will take a look at how patents can help us stay abreast of changes in technology...

Adding minute particles called "microtags" to adhesives or sealants lets them tell us where they are from, the intended customer, and much more. This week's editorial looks at the nanoworld of microtags and their potential as additives in adhesives and sealants...

Plastic foams are not as easy to bond as they seem. Foam collapse, dimensional instability, changes in functional properties, and other problems often plague this application. Today’s editorial focuses on problems and solutions of bonding foam substrates...

This visit was very interesting for Adhesives because some 12 adhesives suppliers had booths there and I met many of them...

Usually color change is an unwanted property in adhesives and sealants. However, this week’s editorial takes a glance at certain products that make valuable use of color change...

The direction of technical development doesn’t just happen. Usually, it is the result of changes that occur in society. This week's editorial takes a look at several mega-trends and how they might affect the future of the adhesive industry...

Designer polymers are built to order; they can be assembled molecule by molecule. What does this mean for potential adhesives? Read today's editorial for a possible glimpse of how polymers may be synthesized in the future...

The week's editorial reviews the major theories of adhesion. Unfortunately, there is no single, comprehensive theory to explain why adhesives stick. Certain theories apply better to specific situations than others. It is, therefore, crucial to be aware of the fundamentals behind each theory... (1 Member Reaction)

The BATIMAT show was again a great success with some 500,000 visitors. Let us remember that this is probably the largest show for Construction materials and equipment in Europe, it gathers exhibitors from many countries and visitors from every jobs, companies and position: manufacturers of many...

There are several ways to make an error when curing an adhesive at elevated temperature. This week's editorial looks at common evils associated with simple oven-heating and alternative methods of getting heat to the adhesive...

This week's editorial reviews the reason for bubble formation in many single component polyurethane adhesives and sealants. It also recommends several methods by which the formulator can eliminate the problem...

This week's editorial explores "firestops" - specialty sealant materials that are often specified in the construction industry to resist or block the spread of fire within buildings. Such materials are highly valued in that they can save lives and property...

Fortunately, there are several ways to join plastic substrates. Heat or solvent welding is a method where the plastic part itself becomes the adhesive. This week's editorial probes the advantages and disadvantages of these processes...

An area of adhesive bonding that sometimes seems to languish in the primordial stages is the rubber-to-metal bonding achieved during vulcanization or molding of elastomers. This week's editorial attempts to provide some illumination on what many have considered as more art than science...

Materials seem to be getting more intelligent. Not only do they provide rather exotic properties, but they are also able to sense the environment and adapt to it. This week’s editorial takes a quick look at the tremendous activity in developing materials with a brain...

One the most tenacious adhesive in existence is that produced by the common sea mussel. This week's editorial looks at why the mussel provides us with an appropriate model of the ideal adhesive and how scientists are trying to imitate its ability...

Faster processing and efficiency are driving innovation in many businesses, and the adhesive industry is no exception. This week's editorial looks at several processes, based on the more traditional regions of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be used to meet the need for speed...

Robots are being utilized more and more for applying adhesives and sealants. For success with robotic assembly, one must adapt parts and processes to the unique requirements of the robot. This week's editorial reviews certain of the issues that should be addressed early-on in the design process...

Why do polyurethanes make good adhesives and sealants? What are the chemical / physical characteristics that drive the use of these adhesives over others in certain applications? This week's editorial attempts to answer these questions...

Most formulators seem to think that nanomaterials are in the embryonic stage or even still laboratory curiosities. Actually these materials are now commercially used in several adhesive systems. They provide properties never before realized and promise huge opportunities for the near future...

This week's editorial looks at Internet web sites and how they can be effectively used to get your message in front of the customer. In the adhesives and sealants industry, communication by such means can be crucial because of the dynamic nature of the products and market applications...

This was again a very good show, which gathered more than 800 exhibitors and 23000 visitors from the whole world, mostly European and American but also a few from China and India, two important markets for composites...

Biomaterials are becoming valuable resources both commercially and in extending the functionality of our aging bodies. This week's editorial takes a look at the significant promise of several new bioadhesives and biosealants...

This week’s editorial takes a look at how the adhesive and sealant markets are made-up and how this shapes the prognosis for the continued health of the industry. An interesting metric for measuring the potential for industry growth is discussed.

Most thermosetting adhesives, including epoxies, can be postcured. Postcure is achieved by exposing the adhesive to elevated temperatures after a room temperature cure. This generally provides a moderate improvement in properties. This week's editorial explores the effects, both good and bad, of a...

This week’s editorial looks at a dilemma often faced by both the formulator and the end-user. Should they rely on custom formulations or standard formulations for their needs? The answer can open up new business strategies.

This week’s editorial considers several common questions concerning structural adhesive joints: what is the importance of bond line thickness, what is the correct bond line thickness, and how can it be controlled?

The whole liquid filling operation, including labeling, case erecting, filling closing and palettizing is now the largest use of packaging adhesives because any of our homes buys everyday several bottles of various liquids, including water, milk, juices, soft drinks, carbonated beverages, or bier...

This week's editorial will look at alternative methods of joining thermoplastics - without adhesives or mechanical fasteners. These include, of course, heat and solvent welding, but don't forget self-assembly processes.

When evaluating the economics of switching from solventborne to waterborne adhesives both performance and cost factors become an issue. This editorial will review some of the cost considerations that need to be taken into account when comparing waterborne adhesives with other technologies (primarily...

Computer simulation tools are now available to provide a virtual testing laboratory for adhesives. This week's editorial discusses the current state of these tools for the non-computer geeks among us.

If polyolefins and fluorocarbons are so difficult to bond, why are these polymers such good adhesives? This editorial will answer this conundrum and shed some light on how to use surface energy to predict adhesion...

This week's editorial looks at the differences in curing a reactive adhesive at room or elevated temperatures. Generally, the choice is made due to the production equipment capabilities and curing cycle time required. However, the choice could also affect important property characteristics of the...

This week's editorial will look at the problem of everyday jargon that confuses many newcomers to the adhesives industry. When added to the jargon that is commonly used in the various end-user markets (e.g., automotive, aerospace), it is a wonder that we can understand each other. Fortunately there...

This week's editorial takes a quick look at how adhesives and sealants are revolutionizing the way automobiles are being designed and built. Structural adhesives may have had their beginnings in the aerospace industry, but today the transportation applications are taking center stage...

This week's editorial describes how environmental regulations should be incorporated into the strategic planning process. As with most courses of action, the key is moderation and careful deliberation.

In this week's editorial, innovative packaging methods for multi-component reactive adhesives are described. These ingenious solutions provide added value to the end-user by reducing labor costs, improving reliability, reducing health and safety concerns, and often reducing waste...

This week’s editorial offers a tool – simple, but carefully orchestrated, customer visits -- to maximize the customer relationship and to acquire valuable market research.

The week's editorial looks at how formulators have responded to the customers' demand to "make adhesives simple". Adhesives and sealants that have tremendous simplicity in application and curing are described...

This week's editorial discusses the adhesion of particles to surfaces. Particle adhesion plays a major roll in many industrial fields in that particle adhesion is generally encouraged (electrostatic copiers, powder coatings) or attempts are made to eliminate it (microelectronic wafers, soil-proof...

Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) have been utilized in a wide range of health care applications. This week’s editorial reviews how modern medical PSAs must do far more than bond to skin.

In this editorial, the author discusses his visit to JEC show held in Paris from 30th March to 1st April, 2004. He describes the adhesives types displayed in the show...

Predicting the service life of adhesives is a risky business. This week's editorial tries to estimate the service life of adhesives...

In this editorial, the author discusses his visit to EXPOBOIS, 2004. EXPOBOIS is a national French exhibition for Woodworking machines and techniques, taking place in Paris every two years.

This week’s editorial reviews the 27th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society. The theme of this year’s meeting is the technology required to bridge the gap between (1) molecular level understanding of adhesion and (2) the end-use that hinges upon the optimization and design of adhesive joints.

In this week’s editorial, a simple relationship is shown regarding why adhesives have lower strengths than theoretically expected. This is also a good tool for the analyst who must determine why an adhesive bond has failed.

The alternative energy market is driven by the need to be environmentally friendly. Being “green” is very desirable today in this world. This week’s editorial discusses ways that the adhesive or sealant manufacturers and users can also be green.

Adhesive suppliers are trying hard to respond to this lucrative market with new products and services. This week’s editorial takes a look at domesticated adhesives.

Mold releases are, perhaps, the most common weakest link when it comes to bonding plastics. The editorial looks at mold release agents and the effect that they have on bonding success.

Construction is still market number 1 for adhesives and sealants. As usual the BATIMAT show was the number 1 show in the world for Construction. In this editorial, find new bonding, sealing and waterproofing techniques in Construction.

When formulating hot-melts, formulators will begin by analysing "objective" requirements (substrates, performances...). But odors and colors will also remain key issues for formulators. This editorial focuses on these 2 issues.

We learn from the past -- this week's editorial looks at a short history of adhesives and sealants. It describes where we have been and where we might be going...

Cyanoacrylate adhesives are commonly used to assemble medical devices because of the ease and speed at which they bond to a variety of different plastics commonly used in the medical industry. However, there is a medical application for these "superglues" that is even more valuable. Cyanoacrylates...

The adhesive formulator has many challenges in meeting the demands of the market place, and many of the tools that the formulator had utilized in the past are no longer acceptable. This week's editorial pays homage to the glue gurus who continually create new chemistries and products.

Common questions are often raised concerning the time period during which a surface preparation process is effective. How long can one wait after surface preparation to apply the adhesive? What parameters affect the allowable time between surface preparation and application of the adhesive? This...

Major OEM end-user requirements in the adhesives industry have been satisfied through the development of new formulations and by the advancement of new equipment. This week's editorial reviews some of the major advancements in application equipment technology that promise to provide quantum jumps in...

The measurement of "clean" bonding surfaces has always been a concern. This current SpecialChem4Adhesives article reviews surface cleaning processes that can be used prior to bonding or sealing. Unfortunately, there are no standard procedure or equipment available to tell if surface is...

It is important that the quality control process consider the entire operation from receipt of materials to final product testing. This editorial reviews some of the basics of quality control in the end-user's shop.

Sealants have grown in sophistication in recent years with the increase of demand in markets and emergence of new materials. This editorial outlines some of the recent activities in this area.

Just as selecting a wrong life partner can lead to a disastrous marriage, selecting the wrong adhesive for a specific application will lead to dissapointing results. This editorial will introduce you to the eight important factors that are necessary when considering an adhesive.

JEC Composites is one of the very best shows worldwide for Composites used in every industry. A long visit to JEC composites Show is always very rewarding, also for adhesives manufacturers and users. In this editorial, find a review of the market for composites and adhesives, and about markets...