Adhesives play a crucial role in the world of construction and home renovation. They are used in almost every industry to some capacity. Adhesives are nothing but substances which are used to bond or fasten two or more materials or objects together.
Adhesives are formulated for specific purposes and made keeping in mind the material that needs to be bonded together and the industry in which it is used. So, every type of adhesive has a unique formula and has its pros and cons.
Clueless about adhesives and which one to buy? Fret not, we have come up with a brief guide that will help you understand the different types of adhesives and their uses.
Different Types of Adhesives
Typically, adhesives are categorized based on primary factors like their chemical composition, load carrying capacity and physical form.
Adhesives classified by chemical composition
- Epoxy adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are one of the most popularly used structural types of adhesives which are known for their versatility. These adhesives are also known for their amazing heat, chemical and water resistance and exceptional adhesive properties. This type of adhesive can be used on a wide variety of materials like metals, plastic, wood, ceramics etc.
- Polyurethane adhesives
If you are looking for an adhesive that is versatile and easy to apply, you must check out this type of adhesives. Polyurethane adhesives offer high flexibility, high bonding strength, permanent elasticity and excellent resistance to heat, water and chemicals. Polyurethane adhesives can be applied with a roller, brush, glue gun or spray gun. They are commonly used in construction, flooring, furniture and the pharmaceutical industry. Keep in mind that this type of adhesives is believed to not be as strong as epoxy adhesives and they have a short shelf life of 6-12 months.
- Polyimide adhesives
Polyimide adhesives offer an impressive thermal resistance and are ideal to use in a temperature range of 240- 500 degrees Celsius. These adhesives are single component and solvent-based adhesives, which are formulated to showcase high bonding strength and excellent water and chemical resistance. This type of adhesives is commonly used for coating and electronic insulation.
Adhesives classified by load carrying capacity
- Structural
Some of the popular structural adhesives include epoxies, urethanes and acrylics. These adhesives are in the form of paste or liquid. If you are looking for a highly durable adhesive for a permanent attachment purpose, then you must consider investing in structural adhesives. They are known for their high bond strength and high resistance to heat and solvent. Structural adhesives offer a high load carrying capacity and hence they are commonly used in construction.
- Non- Structural
Non-structural adhesives are ideal if you are looking for a budget-friendly adhesive that offers a light loading capacity. They are often used as a secondary adhesive along with a primary adhesive like screws or masking tape to enhance the adhesiveness of the main adhesive. They are typically used for short-term or temporary attachment purposes. Keep in mind that this type of adhesive cannot withstand a long duration of exposure to the environment.
- Semi- Structural
Semi structural adhesives offer a higher load carrying capacity than non-structural adhesives, however they don’t have a long shelf life like structural adhesives. Hence, they cannot be used for permanent attachment purposes.
Adhesives classified by forms
Adhesives can be classified based on their physical forms. Adhesives are available in different physical forms like
- Paste
- Liquid
- Solid
- Solvent Based
Liquid and paste adhesives are formulated in single or multi-component solventless solutions. While liquid adhesives have low viscosity and are suitable for all attachment purposes, paste adhesives have high viscosity and are commonly suitable for attachments that require gap filling. Solvent-based adhesives come in a liquid form but they are different from liquid adhesives as these require a conducive environment for evaporation and diffusion. Solid adhesives come in different forms like sheets, powders etc.
Confused whether to choose a pressure-sensitive adhesive like a masking tape or a liquid adhesive? Choosing the right type of adhesive for your project can get overwhelming.
Hence, if you need expert advice on which adhesive will be perfect for your next project, then get in touch with the folks at Asian Paints. They will help you pick the best adhesives for your home and help you with your home renovation.
