Call us toll free

1-866-312-5646

Speak to a promotional items expert.
Current answer speed: no wait!

Call us toll free

1-866-312-5646

Speak to a promotional items expert.
Current answer speed: no wait!
Promotional Products Home Promo University® Promo Products Sciences What Are the Different Types of Adhesives?

What Are the Different Types of Adhesives?

Alyssa Mertes

Alyssa Mertes

Promo Expert

Published: March 18th, 2019

Updated: April 22nd, 2019

Other Lessons in This Course

You know that stick of glue from kindergarten? That's an adhesive! How about that gum you used to plug a hole in your leaky pipe? It's gross, but that's also an adhesive. Turns out, we use these bonding substances more often than we might realize. They're a huge part of many things we rely on every day, from our cars to the roof over our heads!

Which types of adhesives are out there? How are they used? Stick here and get ready to form a bond with this useful material!

Quote Icon

Our everyday life is inconceivable without self-adhering (tacky) materials or adhesives.

– Mikhail M. Feldstein, author of Innovations in Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Products

What Are Adhesives?

What Are Adhesives?

At their most simple, adhesives are substances used for sticking objects or materials together. In scientific terms, those substances that are sticking together, regardless of what they are, become known as “substrates.”

What Are Adhesives?

Think of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You could say the peanut butter and jelly is an adhesive for the two pieces of bread, the substrates.

Many adhesives are made for specific purposes, depending on the industry and the substrates that need to be bonded together. For instance, there might be a special glass adhesive for a car window, but a completely different one for a coffee table. Each has its own unique formula and is specifically designed for a particular need.

What's in an Adhesive?

Adhesives are most often made from polymers or resins, which are chemical structures that can eventually be recognized as plastics. However, that's not all that can be found in adhesives. They can also contain:

  • Animal Product
  • Acrylate
  • Acrylic
  • Copper
  • Epoxy
  • Grains
  • Graphite
  • Milk
  • Nickel
  • Nylon
  • Plants
  • Polyester
  • Acrylic
  • Oil
  • Polyurethane
  • Rubber/Latex
  • Silicone
  • Silver
  • Starch
  • Vegetables
  • Water


Think about going to the craft aisle and seeing all the different glues. No one is the same as the other, which is why you might use tacky glue for repairing a broken trophy but a glue stick for your kid’s art project. The substances above work in the same way. One could be good for adhesives used in construction, while the other works better for stamps and envelopes. It just depends on the manufacturer and their need.

How Are Adhesives Classified?

How Are Adhesives Classified?

Adhesives are often broken into two types, depending on how they're made. They are classified as either pressure sensitive or polymer-based, though there are also other classifications that include:

How Are Adhesives Classified?
  1. 1. Anaerobic
  2. 2. Bismaleimides
  3. 3. Casein
  4. 4. Cyanoacrylate
  5. 5. Dextrin
  6. 6. Electrically conductive
  7. 7. Hot melt
  8. 8. Phenolic
  1. 9. Plastisol
  2. 10. Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA’s)
  3. 11. Reactive
  4. 12. Solvent-Based
  5. 13. Thermoset
  6. 14. UV Curing
  7. 15. Water-Based

What Are Pressure Sensitive Adhesives?

Pressure sensitive adhesives consist of acrylics, rubber/latex, or silicone. They don’t need a solvent, water, or heat to stick and can be applied with light pressure to paper, glass, wood, plastic, or metal.

Used for:

Pressure Sensitive

Used for:

Pressure Sensitive

What Are Polymer-Based Adhesives?

Polymer adhesives are broken up into polyester, polyurethane, acrylate, and epoxies. Polymer-based adhesives are considered the best for bonding woods, but are actually used in many other industries.

Used for:

Polymer

Used for:

Polymer

Ultimately, adhesives are classified based on whether or not they use a solvent, water, heat, or any combination of the three to stick to a surface. Here are the other ways they can be classified:

Anaerobic

Anaerobic

You won't find any solvents used in anaerobic adhesives. They work best bonding metal together, typically in large machinery and other heavy duty equipment.

Bismaleimide

Bismaleimide

Bismaleimides are also referred to as BMI adhesives. They are used in electronic circuit boards, but also join metals, glass, ceramics, and some plastics.

Casein

Casein

This type of adhesive is made from milk protein. It's extremely strong, resistant to water, and has been used since ancient times to make musical instruments, bottles, furniture, and even aircrafts!

Cyanoacrylate

Cyanoacrylate

Have you ever fixed something with Super Glue? Well, then you’ve used a cyanoacrylate adhesive! Cyanoacrylates react with moisture and work best for super gluing plastic or rubber objects.

Dextrin

Dextrin

If you’ve ever read a good book, then you’ve interacted with dextrin adhesives. This thin glue is made with starch and is used to hold the pages together in your favorite novel.

Electrically Conductive

Electrically Conductive

If you need to repair your electronics, you’ll likely use electrically conductive adhesives. This type of adhesive is known for being extremely durable and long-lasting.

Hot Melt

Hot Melt

Hot melt adhesives are heated to melt and then cooled to solidify and bond materials. They’re also referred to as polyamides and work best for woodworking projects, packaging, and trade show exhibits.

Phenolic

Phenolic

Not only do phenolic adhesives bond metal with metal, but they also bond metal to wood. Since it withstands tough conditions, this is a good adhesive to use for a variety of projects. For instance, you may find it in the front door of your home or business.

Plastisol

Plastisol

These are modified versions of PVA’s and require heat to harden. This adhesive is commonly used as a textile ink for screen printing and coating outdoor applications like roofs and furniture.

PVA’s (Polyvinyl Acetate)

PVA’s (Polyvinyl Acetate)

Your standard white glue is referred to as polyvinyl acetate or PVA. It’s good for craft projects, but can also be used for projects that require more industrial strength.

Reactive

Reactive

Be thankful for reactive adhesives. They are used to bond cell phones, computers, and even some medical devices.

Solvent-Based

Solvent-Based

If you remember anything about chemistry class, you might recall that a solvent is a liquid in which other materials dissolve to form a solution. This kind of adhesive is mixed with polymers and can be found in sticky notes.

Thermoset

Thermoset

Despite their name, thermoset adhesives may or may not need heat to cure. This adhesive is often used in construction since it’s super strong and long-lasting.

UV Curing

UV Curing

It was the early 1960s when these adhesives were first on the market. Since then, they have grown rapidly and are now essential in the electronic, automotive, and medical fields.

Water-Based

Water-Based

Water-based adhesives have a similar texture to cement and are often used for decorative concrete. They can also be found in product packaging, bottling, and furniture building.

Keep in mind, the categories above are not all mutually exclusive. That means you can have an adhesive that's both UV curing and reactive or a plastisol that's also solvent-based. It all depends on how the adhesive is made.

Would you rather watch than read? Check out this video!

The Pros & Cons of Each Type of Adhesive

Now that you understand a little more about adhesives, let’s dive into the different advantages and disadvantages of each. Your substrate is a key factor when it comes to the right adhesive for the job. However, there are still a few other general points to keep in mind.

Type
Pros
Cons

  • Anaerobic

    Pros:

    • Cures as quickly as 10 minutes
    • Works best with metal objects
    • No need for washers or gaskets
    • Long shelf life
    • Enhanced quality of finished product
    • Removes corrosion
    • Cost-effective
    • Contain no solvents

    Cons:

    • Will not set with excessive liquid
    • Speeding up the curing process decreases strength

  • Bismaleimide

    Pros:

    • Resistant to high temperatures
    • Suitable for long-term exposure
    • Paste is easy to mold

    Cons:

    • Takes several hours to cure
    • Rigid design
    • Doesn’t create a strong bond

  • Casein

    Pros:

    • Moisture-resistant
    • Long shelf life

    Cons:

    • Takes several hours to cure
    • Rigid design
    • Doesn’t create a strong bond

  • Cyanoacrylate

    Pros:

    • Solidifies within seconds
    • Versatile; bonds metals, plastics, rubbers, and glass
    • Withstands high amounts of pressure
    • Easy to handle

    Cons:

    • Less resistant to moisture
    • Low heat resistance
    • Rigid design
    • May not fill spaces as well as other adhesives
    • Short shelf life
    • High cost

  • Dextrin

    Pros:

    • Heat and cold resistant
    • Made quickly

    Cons:

    • Thin, frail finish
    • Breaks down when exposed to water

  • Electrically Conductive

    Pros:

    • Contains no solvents
    • Lead-free
    • Cures rapidly at moderate temperatures
    • Results in limited waste
    • Free from air bubbles
    • Durable
    • Long shelf life

    Cons:

    • Breaks down when exposed to extreme temperatures
    • May be slightly more expensive

  • Hot Melt

    Pros:

    • Versatile
    • Affordable
      • Moisture-resistant
    • Strong
    • Flexible
    • Long shelf life
    • Doesn’t have to cure
    • No loss of thickness when solidifying

    Cons:

    • Can only be applied with a hot enough temperature
    • Difficult to handle
    • Cures faster when the substrates are preheated
    • Takes 24 hours to cure

  • Phenolic

    Pros:

    • Good for bonding metals together or metals with wood
    • Maintains structural integrity and stability in severe conditions

    Cons:

    • Requires heat and pressure
    • More expensive

  • Plastisol

    Pros:

    • Resilient and tough
    • Easy to handle
    • Fast production
    • Easy waste disposable

    Cons:

    • Requires heat to harden
    • Doesn’t ever fully dry

  • Polymer

    Pros:

    • Dries clear
    • Strong, permanent bond
    • Versatile; used for glass, plastic, and wood
    • Applied via brush, powder, or spray

    Cons:

    • Slightly difficult to handle
    • Too much solvent will weaken the adhesive
    • Cure time is at least 10 hours

  • Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA’s)

    Pros:

    • Versatile and flexible
    • Inexpensive
    • Doesn’t yellow over time
    • No fumes
    • Dries clear

    Cons:

    • Works best in an air-conditioned room
    • Shorter shelf life
    • Breaks down with water

  • Pressure Sensitive

    Pros:

    • Thin and light
    • Bonds with substrates made from a variety of materials
    • Super sticky
    • Works with a variety of temperatures
    • Safe and easy to install
    • Provides sound and vibration control

    Cons:

    • Not sustainable with heavier objects
    • Can be expensive, depending on the type
    • May require special equipment for application 

  • Reactive

    Pros:

    • Resistant to chemicals, heat, and moisture
    • High bond strength
    • Long-term durability
    • Withstands severe environmental conditions
    • Fast curing

    Cons:

    • Must be applied accurately and in proper volumes to be most effective
    • Begins curing as soon as it’s exposed
    • May require dispensers or machinery for use

  • Solvent-Based

    Pros:

    • Applied via brush, roll, or spray
    • Evaporates quickly
    • Bonds immediately with the substrates

    Cons:

    • More expensive
    • Flammable
    • Releases emissions in the air during production

  • Thermoset

    Pros:

    • Super strong
    • Used for heavier applications
    • Long-term stability

    Cons:

    • Fairly expensive
    • May need heavy machinery for application
    • Cannot be melted again or reshaped

  • UV Curing

    Pros:

    • Low process temperatures
    • Rapidly advancing as an adhesive

    Cons:

    • Requires UV light in order to function
    • Expensive for smaller productions

  • Water-Based

    Pros:

    • Less expensive
    • Flexible
    • Sets quickly
    • Strong
    • Applied by either spray or roll

    Cons:

    • Breaks down when exposed to excess water or moisture
    • Sometimes has a strong odor
    • May irritate the user’s skin

As you can see, no adhesive is designed the same way. Each one has a unique chemical makeup and different properties. The right one for the job can be determined by considering budget, turnaround time, and the substrates that need to be bonded together.

Which Industries Use Adhesives?

Almost every industry can use adhesives in some capacity. However, there are a few that couldn’t function or exist without them. This material has contributed to many essentials we use almost every day.

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Automotive
  • Construction
  • Dental
  • Food
  • Interior Design
  • Medical
  • Promotional Products
Art & Crafts

Art & Crafts

Creative genius would be impossible without adhesives! How else can you build a diorama of the solar system for your kid’s science fair?

Automotive

Automotive

Many car parts are held together thanks to adhesives. You can find them everywhere from body work to the sweet emblem on a fancy BMW.

Construction

Construction

Landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Golden Gate Bridge wouldn’t exist without adhesives. Aside from bolts, screws, gussets, and other finishes, this is what helps each piece stick together.

Dental

Dental

While it may seem strange, some adhesives can be found in your mouth. They are often used for braces or dental restoration procedures.

Food

Food

Bags of potato chips, bottled drinks, and many other delicious snacks are sealed with adhesives. If the bag is hard to open, that just means the adhesive is really doing its job!

Interior Design

Interior Design

You will find adhesives in some furniture and wallpapers. Ultimately, these decorative touches are what help create that “home sweet home” feeling.

Medical

Medical

Bandages, gauze, and other medical essentials are designed with adhesives. That’s why it hurts so much when you have to peel off a Band-Aid®.

Promotional Products

Promotional Products

Popular advertising giveaways like PopSockets™ and cell phone wallets rely on adhesives to work. These logoed gifts tend to stick in people’s minds.

An Adhesive for Every Occasion
An Adhesive for Every Occasion

An Adhesive for Every Occasion

Of course, you don’t need to be a business or work in an industrial setting to benefit from adhesives. There are many on the market that are sold over-the-counter at Home Depot or Menards and can be used in basic home repairs and other household projects. It just depends on what you’re looking for and how much you have to spend!

The Bottom Line

Adhesives have a long history of use in a variety of industries. Every one is designed a bit differently and has a particular place where it can be used to its full potential. Take the time to really understand the difference before starting your next project!

Alyssa Mertes

Alyssa Mertes

866-312-5646 x 277

Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. She has a BA in English & Communications and has written for Counselor Magazine and The Bolingbrook Sun. If you need her, you’ll find her buried in research, in the middle of a phone interview, or singing way off-tune in her office.

References

Obscura, A. (2018). Industrial Adhesives. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Industrial-Adhesives/

American Chemistry Council. (2018). Introduce to Polyurethanes: Polyurethane Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/CASE/

Bostik Smart Adhesives. (2018). Hot Melt Adhesives: What They’re Made Of, How They Work, and Their Benefits. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.bostik-industrial.com/hot-melt-adhesives-what-theyre-made-of-how-they-work-and-their-benefits/

Hot Melt. (2018). Water-Based Adhesives – Information and Overview. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.hotmelt.com/blogs/blog/water-based-adhesives-information-and-overview

Engineering 360. (2018). Industrial Adhesives Information. Retrieved November 13, 2018, from https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals/adhesives/adhesives

Singh, G. (2017, May 24). What Are Polymer Adhesives? Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.covascientific.com/blog/what-are-polymer-adhesives

The Packaging Group. (2017, May 8). Rubber Vs. Silicone Vs. Acrylic Adhesives. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.thepackaginggroup.com/blogs/packaging-supplies/rubber-vs-silicone-vs-acrylic-adhesives

Perabo, C. (2008, March 27). Tape Adhesive Types: Silicone vs. Acrylic vs. Rubber. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.caplinq.com/blog/tape-adhesive-types-silicone-vs-acrylic-vs-rubber_41/

Do It Yourself. (2018). 8 Types of Industrial Adhesives. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.doityourself.com/stry/8-types-of-industrial-adhesives

Sapir, J. (2013, March 20). The Difference Between Polymer and Solvent Based Adhesives. November 15, 2018, from https://www.woodandbeyond.com/blog/the-difference-between-polymer-and-solvent-based-adhesives/

Upstyle Wood Guide. (2018). Casein Glue. Retrieved November 15, 2018, from http://www.woodguide.org/guide/casein-glue-2/

Adhesive Systems, Inc. (2018). Anaerobic Adhesives. Retrieved November 15, 2018, from http://instantca.com/articles/anaerobic-adhesives/

Master Bond. (2018). Electrically Conductive Adhesive Systems. Retrieved November 16, 2018, from https://www.masterbond.com/properties/electrically-conductive-adhesive-systems

McGrath, G. (2018). Adhesives – Modern Types of Adhesives. Retrieved November 16, 2018, from https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=157

3M. (2018). Hot Melt Adhesives. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/All-3M-Products/Adhesives-Tapes/Industrial-Adhesives-and-Tapes/Non-Structural-Adhesives/Hot-Melt-Adhesives/?N=5002385+8710676+8710815+8710968+8711017+8716336+3294857497&rt=r3

Polymer Properties Database. (2018). Retrieved November 19, 2018, from http://polymerdatabase.com/Adhesives/Phenolic%20Adhesive.html

The Saw Guy. (2018). What is PVA Glue and When Should You Use It? Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.thesawguy.com/what-is-pva-glue/

How Stuff Works. (2018). Multipurpose Glues. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://home.howstuffworks.com/multipurpose-glues.htm

SpecialChem. (2018). Reactive Adhesives. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://adhesives.specialchem.com/channel/reactive-adhesives

Burkus, F. (2009, June 1). Advances in Reactive Adhesive Application Technologies. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.adhesivesmag.com/articles/88170-advances-in-reactive-adhesive-application-technologies

Pike, R. (2018). Adhesive. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/adhesive#ref625406

Do it Yourself. (2018). Plastic vs. Acrylic Adhesives: Pros and Cons. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.doityourself.com/stry/plastic-vs-acrylic-adhesives-pros-and-cons

Schramer, K. (2009, October 1). Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives 101. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.adhesivesmag.com/articles/88511-pressure-sensitive-adhesives-101

Tesa. (2018). How Will the Adhesive Tape Become a Model Athlete? Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.tesa.com/en-us/wikitapia/acrylate-adhesive.html

Dexcraft. (2018). What Differentiates Epoxy from Polyester Composites. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from http://www.dexcraft.com/articles/carbon-fiber-composites/what-differentiates-epoxy-from-polyester-composites/

Cova Scientific. (2016, February 24). An Overview of UV Cure Epoxy Adhesives & Sealants. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.covascientific.com/blog/uv-cure-epoxy

Engineering 360. (2018). Thermoset Adhesives Information. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.globalspec.com/learnmore/materials_chemicals/adhesives/thermoset_adhesives

How a Car Works. (2018). Vehicle Adhesives and Sealants. Retrieved November 19, 2018, from https://www.howacarworks.com/technology/vehicle-adhesives-and-sealants