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Polymer adhesives are synthetic bonding substances made from polymers, used in various industries. They come in different forms such as urethanes, epoxies, resins, cyanoacrylates, and methacrylates, each with unique properties. The choice of adhesive depends on the surface being joined and the required viscosity and curing time.
A polymer is a molecule made up of a chain of repeating units that are chemically bonded to each other. Adhesives are substances that are used to glue things together. A polymer adhesive is a synthetic bonding substance made from polymers and is considered to be stronger, more flexible and has higher impact resistance than other forms of adhesives. These bonding products are used in multiple industries including automotive, aerospace, aeronautics, construction, electronics and electrical.
A polymer adhesive can come in a variety of forms, including urethanes, epoxies, resins, cyanoacrylates, and methacrylates. Urethanes are resistant to oils, chemicals, acids, and fuels, making them a popular adhesive for many applications. These products are strong, flexible, and adhere well to a variety of surfaces. They are used to seal fuel tanks, oil tanks, chemical processing equipment and pipelines. Urethane adhesives can also be used to bond floor tiles to sub-flooring, fill gaps and in threadlocking compounds replacing the need for washers.
An epoxy polymer adhesive is used in a number of everyday applications, including glue sticks for glue guns and in a variety of craft glues. These come in a wide range of hardnesses and viscosities, or resistance to flow, and can join plastic, fiberglass, wood, stone and metal. Epoxies are resistant to heat and chemicals and are good electrical insulators, making them a popular choice for electronic and electrical applications. They are also useful when a strong bond is required, such as in the aviation, marine and automotive industries.
Some concrete mixes contain a resin polymer adhesive that helps bind and set the powder into the hard concrete. These adhesives are also used in electronics and as an adhesive material for mounting brackets on teeth for orthodontic appliances. A polyvinyl acetate (PVA) is the thermoplastic polymer resin most commonly used at archaeological sites to piece together organic material, such as bones and teeth, as well as pottery pieces.
A cyanoacrylate is a fast-bonding polymeric adhesive with an acrylic base that is used in manufacturing and medicine. One of the well-known examples is Super Glue®, which is similar to a cyanoacrylate frequently used in place of sutures when treating cuts and for gluing surgical incisions. These instant glues are also popular for making models, crafts and fixing things around the house.
Methacrylate, another class of polymer adhesives, contains methylvinyl. This polymer adhesive has excellent impact resistance, flexibility and shear resistance. It has a medium to fast cure time and does a better job of bonding plastic than urethanes or epoxies. Methacrylates are flammable and must be applied in an area with good ventilation.
There are several things to consider when choosing a polymer adhesive. The products should be compared to determine which will bond best with the type of surface being joined. Different products may be chosen depending on the viscosity required for the job, the time available for curing, and the need for a permanent or temporary bond. For best results, apply the adhesive to a clean, dry surface and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
