Water-based adhesives set quickly and are a more eco-friendly option than many other adhesives on the market. Widely used for structural applications where the load is high and the bond area is small, liquid adhesives provide a stronger bond than other adhesive tapes. The market for liquid adhesives is projected to register a compounded annual growth rate or CAGR of 4.52% to reach US$ 42.67 billion by 2026. The growth prospects of the segment from its 2020 level of US$35.80 billion are expected to be driven by the growing demand for packaging products and
the increasing sale of the e-commerce platforms. The growth in building and construction segments, and the higher demand from the healthcare segment are also expected to boost the demand for liquid adhesives. These adhesives need to be used carefully to avoid wastage and ensure a strong bond. Here are some hacks to make efficient use of liquid adhesives:
1. Storing Them Properly
Water-based liquid adhesives are created to improve the user’s total cost of ownership and improve the quality of the end product. They are formulated with polymers dispersed in water and then combined with plasticizers, fillers, and additives. To ensure the right usage and prevent wastage of these adhesives, you should handle and store them carefully. The liquid adhesive bonds once the water evaporates. Premature drying of the adhesive makes it sticky and hard thereby rendering it useless. To prevent the wastage of liquid adhesives, they need to be stored properly.
They should be kept away from heat and light, especially direct sunlight. To retain the life of the adhesives, store them in a cool and dark place.
They should be stored between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your liquid adhesives will last from six months to one year.
2. Apply Them Carefully and in the Right Manner
Liquid adhesives can be applied by using a brush or through the flow technique. The flowing technique is used to apply liquid adhesives to flat surfaces with irregular shapes since it provides a more uniform adhesive film thickness and a higher production rate. Use the right type of nozzle or a hollow brush that allows you to put the adhesive in a single smooth sweep. A second sweep over the same area is not practical.
Choosing the right technique and applicator and keeping the application site ready will ensure good results besides preventing the dripping, splashing, or overflowing of the liquid adhesive.
3. Allow Them to Dry Properly
Liquid adhesives dry when the water in them evaporates. The thicker the layer is applied, longer amount of time is required for its drying and curing. So, apply the right amount and if you are not sure, seek the advice of experts. Another thing to take care of while using liquid adhesives is to ensure that the temperature is conducive to letting them dry. A higher ambient temperature will shorten the drying time while a cold space will result in a longer drying time. The dry time
for adhesives is more when the level of humidity is high. Keep these factors in mind while applying liquid adhesives. This will provide the right adhesion and do away with the need to reapply and prevent wastages.
To conclude, liquid adhesives are quite useful and environmentally friendly products. Their efficient consumption requires you to give careful consideration to their application technique, storage, and drying time.