FOCUS ON JOINING TECHNOLOGIES
Adhesive and sealant market
Technician using glue gun with silicone adhesive or manual caulking gun with polyurethane to fix steel .
According to a new market study from FEICA , “ The European Adhesives and Sealants Market 2023-2028 ”, adhesives based on polymer dispersions and emulsions are the largest product group used in Europe ( over 45 % share of volume demand in 2022 ). Reactive adhesives are forecast to exhibit the fastest growth rate in the next five years up to 2028 .
“ This growth comes from increased demand from high-performance applications , such as adhesives used to replace mechanical fastenings in assembly operations . Adhesives based on natural polymers are also forecast to see strong growth to 2028 due to an increased demand for sustainable materials ,” commented FEICA .
Kristel Ons , FEICA Secretary General , added : “ There is increasing demand from consumers and brand owners aiming to improve their environmental credentials for greater use of sustainable materials in the products that they buy or make . Adhesives and sealants are no exception and are , in fact , enablers of the circular economy .”
Adhesive bonding benefits
“ Metal is relatively well suited for bonding . Nevertheless , it is important to find the right product for the corresponding application . The choice of adhesive , a load analysis as well as potential surface treatment are decisive factors that lead to a good bond . Then bonding can increasingly replace welding , screwing or riveting ,” commented manufacturer , 3M .
“ There is no such thing as one adhesive for metals . The properties of the adhesive , such as composition , viscosity or temperature resistance , must be matched to the surface to be bonded . For example , precisely fitting parts where small surfaces are joined together place different demands on the adhesive than in the case of surface laminations ,” it continued .
Adhesive bonds are durable and seal when applied properly . They also offer several benefits over thermal bonding processes , such as :
■ Enabling the use of dissimilar metals . The adhesive isolates different metals against galvanic corrosion .
■ Reworking the bond . The bond is easier to disassemble , rework and repair .
■ Reducing labour costs . Rapid and easy application that contributes to reducing the total cost .
■ Improving aesthetics . The bonding process does not distort or discolour the substrates .
■ Enabling the use of thinner substrates . Because the metal is not distorted , a thinner substrate can be just as strong .
■ Lower energy costs . Less energyintensive than thermal bonding .
■ Improving worker comfort and safety . Most adhesives can be applied at room temperature without the need for intense heat .
■ Faster finishing . No risk of metal oxidisation or deformation , so finishing is quicker and easier .
Focus on sustainability
Environmental and energy-saving issues are of particular importance for today ’ s manufacturers . Wind and solar energy are sustainable and renewable energy sources that have a much smaller impact on the environment compared to fossil fuels . Adhesives and sealants allow long lifetimes for solar power systems and windmills by meeting the demand of weathering resistance for long-term performance . They also adhere solar panels to all types of vehicles and buildings with the same weather-resistant , cost-effective and long-term performance properties .
“ Adhesives and sealants reduce the weight of all modes of transportation making them more energy-efficient . For electric vehicles ( EVs ), this also significantly increases range . As demand for hydrogen-based fuel cells increases , adhesives and sealants play a crucial role in providing reliable sealing that facilitates automated production . Our industry
Image : Doduco Solutions GmbH . is also increasingly installing wind turbines and photovoltaic panels at plants and factories to cover the electricity needs of production lines through renewables ,” outlined FEICA .
Sealants can also help in the journey to lower-carbon ( and eventually net-zero / carbonnegative ) buildings and provide long-term structural capability . For instance , they can weatherproof roofs and can be designed to tolerate extreme temperatures , water and chemicals ; as well as to withstand significant stress for more energy-efficient buildings . Adhesives and sealants also facilitate insulation systems that are both durable and airtight ( as well as carbon-neutral ), ensuring less energy consumption .
“ The [ adhesives and sealants industry ] is continuously innovating with debonding technologies to repair , reuse , repurpose and / or recycle to create a circular system . Innovations within our industry extend even further , with reusable silicone cartridges for example , and by using renewable energy to create the products ,” added FEICA .
Sustainability was a key focus of this September ’ s European Adhesive & Sealant Conference and Expo in Tarragona ( Spain ). The current energy crisis ; post-COVID recovery ; shrinking market share of EU producers ; increasing regulatory pressure and megatrends such as global competition are all converging upon the business sector simultaneously . In addition , the circular economy has become key to driving value for everyone .
Choosing the right adhesive
The lower the viscosity of the adhesive , the easier it is to wet the workpiece surface . Most adhesives for metal are therefore twocomponent adhesives . Acrylic , epoxy and polyurethane adhesives are predominantly used .
ISMR November 2023 | ismr . net | 55