Polymers in Adhesives

Introduction It is difficult (and not notably rewarding) to conceive of an adhesive not based on a polymer. To some extent, therefore, the title of this group of papers, presented at a symposium of the Plastics and Polymer Group of the Society is tautological. However, the distance between the theory of polymer structure, and the details of adhesive formulation can be considerable. It was the intention of this symposium to reduce this gap by providing critical presentations of the science of adhesion in its relation to proper- ties of adhesives. This theory is introduced by K. W. Allen, “The Nature of Adhesives”, which describes the primary and secondary forces available for adhesion, and their basic importance. W. A. Lees, “The Science of Acrylic Adhesives”, in fact, is more concerned with the technology of a novel group of anaerobic adhesives of greatly increasing inipor- tance, based chiefly on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, which have been little described in the literature. A. Hardy and R. T. Agger, “Polyurethanes in Adhesives”, also discussing polyfunctional reactive compounds, describe materials widely employed in the shoe industry, an area where knowledge and suitable application of polymer properties is of major significance. M. J. Welch, “Elastomer Adhesives”, indicates the factors to be considered in designing appropriate formulations for particular methods, application and end-uses. Finally, E. W. Garnish, “Epoxide Resins as Adhesives: Past and Present”, provides an interesting perspective of epoxide-based adhesives as a major, still-developing, area of thermo-setting polymers. The principles of the basic chemistry and the formulation requirements are well described, in their relation to final bonding applications in our present day pattern of life. This series of papers will help to explain the principles of adhesive technology and its present importance.

THE BRITISH POLYMER JOURNAL, VOLUME 11, JUNE 1979 49