Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt adhesives are solvent-free adhesives which are solid at temperatures
below 180 degrees and become fluid above this temperature. They rapidly set
once they have been applied and cooled, forming a strong bond. They are generally
water-resistant and have additives which enhance their viscosity, tackiness
and strength.
Hot melt adhesives are used in many industries. Most commonly this type of
adhesive is used for packaging, textiles, labels, stamps and envelopes and
product assembly processes. Hot melt adhesives may also be used in home construction,
aircraft and aerospace assemblies and automotive assembly.
Hot melt adhesives have some limitations. Hot melts cannot be used with heat
sensitive components, their adhesive bonds lose strength at high temperatures,
high temperatures can cause the adhesive to melt and chemical resistance may
be lacking with many types of hot melts.
Because of the demand to reduce or eliminate volatile organic compound (VOC)
emissions from adhesive applications, hot melt adhesive use is expected to
increase during the future. Hot melt adhesives do not contain solvents which
may be emitted by other types of adhesive. Significant cost-savings may also
be achieved by implementing hot melt adhesives instead of solvent-based systems.