Dispersion adhesives

In today’s world, where durable and reliable assembly is indispensable and technological innovations are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, dispersion adhesives are becoming the protagonists of many applications. These mysterious substances, whose action is based on physics and chemistry, play an irreplaceable role in production, craftsmanship and everyday life.

PVAc, EVA, PU, acrylic adhesives

PVAc, EVA, PU and acrylic adhesives are types of dispersion adhesives that use aqueous adhesive systems in their curing process. Their bonds are formed by a physical reaction, where the key mechanism is the evaporation of water from the adhesive into both the materials being bonded and the surrounding air. In some cases, in order to crosslink the bond, some of these adhesives may work with additional hardeners. These types of dispersion adhesives are extremely versatile and are used in many fields. Thanks to their specific water-based curing method, they are safe to use and offer durable bonds.

What are dispersion adhesives?

Dispersion adhesives, also known as water-based dispersion adhesives, are a type of adhesive material characterised by the fact that their curing process is based on the evaporation of water. In practice, this means that the adhesive applied to surfaces begins to set when the water it contains evaporates. The key ingredient responsible for the setting process is the polymer, which forms a durable layer when the water is removed. In some cases, depending on the application and chemical composition of the adhesive, it may be necessary to add cross-linkers such as isocyanates or nitrate hardeners before the curing process. This increases the bond’s resistance to factors such as heat and moisture. Dispersion adhesives are widely used in many areas of industry, such as:

• wood
• packaging
• bookbinding,
• graphic,
• automotive,
• textile,
• electrical

Acrylic adhesives – which ones?

Acrylic adhesives are a type of adhesive whose base components are based on acrylic polymers. They are characterised by specific properties. Here are some key characteristics and applications of acrylic adhesives:

• Weather resistance – acrylic adhesives are known for their high resistance to weather conditions, including UV radiation, moisture and temperature changes.
• Sustainability – acrylic adhesives offer durable and strong bonds.
• Speed of curing – acrylic adhesives cure relatively quickly compared to other adhesives, which can be advantageous in production and repairs.
• Versatility – acrylic adhesives are suitable for bonding a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, glass, ceramics and many others.
• Safety – these adhesives are often free of toxic ingredients, making them relatively safe to use and environmentally friendly.

PUR adhesives

PUR adhesives are a type of adhesive manufactured on the basis of polyurethane. They are characterised by their high strength and flexibility, making them ideal for bonding a variety of materials such as wood, metal, glass or plastics. PUR adhesives are also weatherproof, which means they can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are extremely durable and resistant to solvents and temperature. This makes them suitable for bonding difficult and demanding surfaces.

What exactly are PVAc adhesives?

Polyvinyl acetate is probably the most widely used type of glue for gluing solid wood. It is used for multi-glueing, board gluing and also for the production of window scantlings and furniture scantlings. Its big advantage is the possibility to significantly accelerate the curing process by heating.

PVAc adhesives are characterised by their high tensile strength, flexibility, and good adhesion to various surfaces. They also have excellent resistance to temperature changes and do not lose their adhesive properties. They are divided into different classes according to the degree of water resistance: D1,D2,D3,D4.