Page 31 - Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants

Chapter
1

An Introduction to

Adhesive and Sealants

1.1 Introduction
This chapter provides an understanding of adhesives and sealants as
a means for assembling and adding value to finished products. The
importance and prominence that adhesives and sealants have as com-
mercial products are highlighted. The multiple functions played by
adhesives and sealants are identified as are the critical procedures
required to achieve successful results. The advantages and disadvan-
tages of using these materials are explained and compared to other
methods of joining.
Basic definitions of common terms used in the adhesive and sealant
industries are provided in this chapter, and a glossary of terms ap-
pears in Appendix A. The processes employed by the manufacturers
of adhesives and sealants and by their end-users are described.
Sources of information for further understanding and study are of-
fered at the conclusion of this chapter and in Appendix B.
Through this chapter, the reader will gain an appreciation of the
complex processes related to adhesives and sealants and the multiple
sciences that form their foundation. This chapter reveals why a multi-
disciplined approach is necessary for the successful application of ad-
hesives and sealants. Most of the topics presented are again visited
in detail in later chapters.

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