Classification of adhesives

Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich

Adhesives are classified by different classification systems:

 General classification of adhesives (classification by structure)

 Classification of adhesives by curing method
 Classification of adhesives by origin

Properties of some adhesives

General classification of adhesives

 Thermosetting adhesives

Thermosets molecules are cross-linked by strong covalent intermolecular bonds, forming

one giant molecule. Cross-linking is irreversible therefore thermosets can not be reprocessed
(re-melt). Cross-linking is achieved in curing process initiated by heat, chemical agents,
radiation or evaporation of Solvents. Curing results in sharp increase of strength, elasticity
and stability of thermosets.
Most of thermosetting adhesives are based on epoxies, polyesters, polyimides and phenolics.

 Thermoplastic adhesives

Thermoplastics are Polymers, which soften (become pliable and plastic) and melt when
heated. No new cross-links form (no chemical curing) when a thermoplastic cools and
harden. Thermoplastics may be reprocessed many times by heating or applying a solvent.
Molecules of most of thermoplastics combine long polymer chains alternating with monomer
units.
Polyamides, cyanoacrylates, polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) are typical thermoplastic
adhesives.

 Elastomeric adhesives

Elastomers are polymers possessing high elasticity - may be reversibly stretched at high
degree. Elastomers consists of long lightly cross-linked molecules. Elastomers are set
(strengthened) by thermal curing or solvent evaporation. Curing results in increase of cross-
linking of the molecules.
Typical elastomeric adhesives are based on natural rubbers, silicones, acrylonitride butadiene
(nitrile), neoprene, Butyl, polyurethane, styrene-butadiene.

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Classification of adhesives by curing method

 One-part adhesives
 o Heat activated curing adhesives. Adhesives of this type (epoxies, urethanes,
polyimides) consist of a ready mixture of two components.
o Light/UV activated curing adhesives (acrylics, cyanoacrylates, urethanes).
Light activated adhesives are cured under a visible or UV light of appropriate
wave length. Adhesives of this type usually contain photoinitiators enhancing
curing reaction.
o Moisture activated curing adhesives (RTV silicones, cyanoacrylates,
urethanes). These adhesives are cured when react with a moisture present on
the substrate surface or in the air.
o Anaerobics - acrylic-based adhesives cured between metallic substrates,
surfaces of which are deprived of oxygen.
o Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA). Adhesives of this type do not cure.
Adhesive bonding forms as a result of a pressure applied to the substrates. The
adhesion strength is determined by the pressure applied to the substrates.
Typical example of pressure sensitive adhesive is self-stick tape.
 Two-part adhesives (epoxies, urethane, acrylics, silicones). A two-part adhesive is
cured when its two (or more) components are mixed. The components react
chemically forming cross-links of the polymer molecules.

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Classification of adhesives by origin

 Synthetic adhesives. Typical synthetic adhesives are epoxies, polyurethanes,

cyanoacrylates, polyimides, silicones, acrylics, polyamides, cyanoacrylates,
polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), nitrile, neoprene.
 Natural adhesives (glues)
o Animal glue. Animal glue is prepared by boiling animal bones and connective
tissues containing protein.
o Casein. Casein is made of skimmed milk. The main component of casein is
protein contained in cow milk.
o Fish glue. Fish glue is made of fish skin containing protein (collagen).
o Vegetable-based glues (tapioca paste, soybean glue, starch glue) - aqueous
dextrine-based glues.
o Natural rubber (latex) glue. Natural rubber glues are prepared from water-
based latex emulsion of plant origin.

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Properties of some adhesives

(Materials Data)

Adhesive bonding (introduction)

Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich

Adhesive bonding is a process of joining two or more solid parts with an adhesive substance.
  Advantages of adhesive bonding
 Disadvantages of adhesive bonding
 Stages of adhesive bonding
 Applications of adhesive bonding

Advantages of adhesive bonding

 Ability to join dissimilar materials;

 Fast and cheap joining technique;
 Provides design convenience and flexibility;
 Sealing properties (adhesive fills gaps and voids);
 Provides thin and invisible joint;
 Joints may be electrically/thermally conductive or insulating;
 Eliminates Galvanic corrosion;
 Good vibration damping properties;
 Uniform distribution of mechanical stress over the joint;
 Good Fatigue resistance.

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Disadvantages of adhesive bonding

 Requires careful substrate (adherent) surface preparation;

 Long mixing and curing time may be required;
 Importance of right joint design;
 Difficult disassembly of joined parts;
 Necessity to fixture (hold together) the joined parts during curing;
 Service temperature and environment limitation;
 Low creep strength;
 Changing properties during service.

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Stages of adhesive bonding

1. Assembly and joint design. Proper design provides minimal peel and cleavage
stresses. Tension, compression and shear stresses may be increased.
2. Adhesive selection. Selection of a proper adhesive is based on the substrate material,
service temperature and environment, requirements to the bonding strength, flexibility
and durability.
3. Surface preparation. The substrate surfaces should be cleaned from dirt and oils, and
then abraded. Clean and roughened surfaces provide good wetting of the adhesive,
which results in strong adhesion.
4. Applying and spreading a proper amount of the selected adhesive over the
substrate surface. The operation is performed either manually or by means of
dispensing devices.
5. Assembly of the parts to be joined.
6. Clamping the parts in a fixture at a controlled pressure.
7. Curing. In the curing process the adhesive molecules are cross-linked forming a
strong adhesive joint. Curing method depends on the adhesive type.
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Applications of adhesive bonding

 Construction;
 Electronics;
 Telecommunications;
 Automotive industry;
 Furniture manufacture and other woodworks;
 Medical devices;
 Surgery (Bonding of tissues and bones);
 Textile industry;
 Package materials (stickers, stick tapes).

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