Page 5 - Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants

Preface

Adhesives and sealants are truly remarkable materials, and I find the
technology supporting these materials to be equally extraordinary and
at times a bit overpowering for infrequent users of these products. I
know of no other technology spread so expansively throughout our
lives. It is difficult to imagine a product—in the home, in industry, in
transportation, or anywhere else for that matter—that does not use
adhesives or sealants in some manner.
Yet, many of us who work with adhesives and sealants, probably
‘‘back into’’ being ‘‘experts’’ almost by default. We had no early inten-
tions of a close relationship with this technology. We went to school
and trained, perhaps, to be materials specialists, engineers, designers,
or manufacturers. One day our supervisor or the nature of our work
demands that we discover how to assemble a product. How do we join
together parts to form a functional product that will endure all pos-
sible service environments, is harmonious with the company’s produc-
tion processes and schedules, and has some aesthetic and environ-
mental quality? How long will the joint survive in service? What is
the repeatability of the process? How do we control the process and
check for inferior or improper joints? If the joint is of poor quality, how
do we get the parts apart or must they be scrapped? Will the bonding
or sealing process affect the environment or the safety of the assembly
workers?
In answering these questions, we may have taken a broad, initial
approach and considered all forms of assembly including mechanical
fasteners, welding, and adhesives. After studying the pros and cons of
each process, we possibly choose an adhesive or sealant. Either by
good guidance from suppliers, mentors, or just by chance, our first
assembled product looks competent. It provides a decent service life,
and maybe even results in a profitable product. We are now frequently
consulted because we have seemingly mastered a foreboding technol-

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