Additives

The transformation of a liquid resin to a solid adhesive or sealant is achieved by the addition of chemically active compounds known as curing, cross-linking, or vulcanizing agents. They are substances that are added to a polymeric resin to assist the curing reaction and cross-linking to further increase the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the polymer. But how cross-linking affects the mechanical strength of a sealant? What are there important factors that need to be considered for selecting the right curing additive for adhesives? Explore the chemistry behind cross-linking in detail and learn the criterion of selecting the right curing...

Fillers and extenders are added to adhesive formulations in order to reduce cost, improve processing and performance properties. The use of fillers and extenders can also impair certain properties, hence the formulator must balance the expected improvements against possible property decline. Fillers and extenders generally have different functions which may overlap and then they can be thought of as serving the same purpose depending on the application. Make your selection process easy by getting in-depth knowledge about filler and extenders, their effects, applications, and formulation examples. Review: Common Fillers and Extenders for Adhesives & Sealants Advantages & Disadvantages of Fillers...

When adhesives and sealants are used in outdoor environments, the action of light can lead to detrimental effects on both appearance and performance. UV degradation usually manifests itself by either or both discoloration and a reduction in joint strength and general physical properties. The effect of UV radiation on a joint is not only due to changes in the adhesive or sealant, but changes in the substrate could also occur due to UV exposure. Although UV resistance is often a minor concern in the selection or formulation of an adhesive or sealant, it can be extremely important in certain systems and...

With increasing high-end engineering applications, structural adhesives are now expected to be more and more proficient. Materials that can withstand long term exposure to elevated temperatures while maintaining their mechanical properties are one of the most preferred choices of all times. Master here, the key to optimizing your structural adhesive formulations for high-temperature applications. Learn the detailed knowledge about base polymer requirements, strategies to reduce stress, additives for better mechanical strength and more.

Accelerators are added in small amounts to speed up the curing of adhesives by reducing the cure time and temperature of elastomers, particularly latex systems. Selection of an accelerator will depend on the specific vulcanizing system and curing properties. Explore the classification of accelerators, the checklist to select the right accelerator based on the specific vulcanizing systems and curing properties. Review: Classification of Accelerators for Rubbers Selecting the Right Vulcanizing Agents Checklist to Select an Accelerator Selecting the Right Accelerator for Your System (Continue reading or click to go on specific section of the page)