Page 317 - Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants

Chapter
8

Adhesive Classifications

8.1 Introduction

There are many types and variations of commercial adhesive materi-
als to choose from for any specific application. There are also a seem-
ingly unlimited number of adhesive composition possibilities available
to the formulator for the ‘‘engineering’’ of a custom product. These
numerous alternatives can make the selection of the proper adhesive
system a difficult process.
This chapter is the first of four chapters that will guide the reader
to the proper choice of adhesive. In this chapter, the methodology that
is commonly used to characterize adhesives will be identified. These
classifications are commonly used throughout the industry. Chapter 9
will describe how adhesive systems are formulated to meet specific
functional characteristics. Chapter 10 will describe the common chem-
ical families that are used as adhesives and how the processing and
performance of the ultimate adhesive are related to the base resin.
Chapter 11 will then highlight the processes involved in selecting the
correct adhesive for a given application. A similar analysis for sealant
materials is presented in subsequent chapters.

8.2 Basic Classification

Adhesives are classified by many methods, and there can be many
hierarchical levels to these classification schemes. Perhaps, the broad-
est classification scheme is to categorize an adhesive as being manu-
factured from materials that are either synthetic or naturally occur-
ring. Synthetic adhesives are manufactured from man-made materials
such as polymers. Natural adhesives are manufactured from naturally
occurring materials such as animal or agricultural by-products.
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