Adhesive selection

Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich

There is no universal adhesive, which is suitable for all possible applications.

Correct selection of an adhesive is determined by optimal combinations of various factors:

• Substrate material (Adhesives for metals, Adhesives for ceramics, Adhesives for plastics, Adhesives for rubber, Adhesives for wood, Adhesives for paper, Adhesives for glass)
• Required bonding strength;
• Required elasticity of the adhesive joint;
• Environmental conditions (water, temperature range, chemicals);
• Service temperature;
• Type (design) of Adhesive joints;
• Curing conditions;
• Biodegradability;
• Cost effectiveness.

• Characteristics of some adhesives

Adhesives for different materials:

• Adhesives for metals
• Adhesives for ceramics
• Adhesives for plastics
• Adhesives for rubber
• Adhesives for wood
• Adhesives for paper
• Adhesives for glass

• Epoxy (Single component high strength epoxy adhesive, Two component fast curing epoxy adhesive, Two component toughened epoxy adhesive)
  • Very good resistance to chemicals (acids, alkalis);
  • Very good resistance to Solvents and oils;
  • Good resistance to water;
  • Very good thermal resistance;
  • Strong durable bonding;
  • Low shrinkage;
  • Ability to fill wide gaps;
  • Brittleness (poor elasticity);
  • Poor peel strength.

• Urethane
  • Good peel strength;
  • Good elasticity;
  • Moderate resistance to water;
  • Moderate resistance to chemicals;
  • Moderate resistance to Solvents and oils;

• Acrylic
  • Good resistance to acids;
  • Moderate resistance to alkalis;
  • Very good resistance to mineral oils;
  • Poor resistance to Solvents and vegetable oils;
  • Good thermal resistance;
  • Fast cure;
  • Good elasticity at low temperatures;
  • Characteristic odor (non-toxic).

• Cyanoacrylate (General purpose cyanoacrylate adhesive, Fast curing cyanoacrylate adhesive, Maximum gap cyanoacrylate adhesive)
  • The best adhesive for bonding small parts;
  • Fast cure;
  • High adhesion strength;
  • High cohesion of thin bonding layers;
  • Poor peel strength;
  • Brittleness (poor elasticity);
  • Low biodegradability.

• Silicone
  • Very good thermal resistance;
  • Good resistance to chemicals (acids, alkalis);
  • Good resistance to Solvents and oils;
  • Good resistance to water;
  • Suitable for outdoor applications;
  • Good wettability;

• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA)
  • High degree of instant stickiness (tack);
  • Good resistance to chemicals (acids, alkalis);
  • Moderate resistance to Solvents;
  • Moderate resistance to water;
  • Suitable for indoor applications;
  • Used with porous substrates;
  • Unable to fill wide gaps.
  • Polyvinyl acetate adhesive

• Formaldehydes (Phenol Formaldehyde, Urea Formaldehyde, Melamine Formaldehyde)
  • Good thermal resistance;
  • Compatibility with most Polymers;
  • Moderate resistance to water;
  • Release toxic fumes;
  • Used with porous substrates;
  • Cost effective.

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• Epoxy
• Polyurethane
• Acrylic
• Silicone

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• Polyurethane
• Acrylic
• Epoxy
• Silicone

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• Cyanoacrylate
• Polyurethane
• Epoxy
• Acrylic

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• Silicone
• Epoxy
• Polyurethane
• Cyanoacrylate

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• Formaldehydes (Phenol Formaldehyde, Thermoset Urea Formaldehyde (UF), Thermoset Melamine Formaldehyde (MF))
• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA, White Glue)
• Aliphatic resin (Yellow Glue)
• Polyurethane

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• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA, White Glue)
• Epoxy
• Polyurethane
• Thermoset Melamine Formaldehyde (MF)

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• Acrylic
• Epoxy
• Cyanoacrylate

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• Adhesive bonding (introduction)
• Fundamentals of adhesive bonding
• Classification of adhesives
• Surface preparation for adhesive bonding
• Adhesive joints

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