What is an adhesive?
An adhesive is a substance capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. Note: adhesive is a general term and includes among others cement, glue, mucilage, and paste. All of these terms are loosely used interchangeably. Various descriptive adjectives are applied to the term adhesive to indicate certain characteristics as follows: INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (1) physical form, that is, liquid adhesive, tape adhesive, etc.; INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (2) chemical type, that is, silicate adhesive, resin adhesive, etc.; INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (3) materials bonded, that is, paper adhesive, metalplastic adhesive, can label adhesive, etc.; INSERT INTO [lzx].[dbo].[tb_new]([id],[type],[title],[source],[personal],[image],[contents],[time],[number]) VALUES (4) condition of use, that is, hot setting adhesive, room temperature setting adhesive, etc.
Access a glossary of terms relating to adhesives

What is a pressure sensitive adhesive?
A term commonly used to designate a distinct category of adhesive tapes and adhesives which in dry (solvent free) form are aggressively and permanently tacky at room temperature and firmly adhere to a variety of dissimilar surfaces upon mere contact without the need of more than finger or hand pressure. They require no activation by water, solvent or heat in order to exert a strong adhesive holding force toward such materials as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement and metals. They have a sufficiently cohesive holding and elastic nature so that, despite their aggressive tackiness, they can be handled with the fingers and removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a residue.
Learn more about terms related to pressure sensitive adhesives

What is a sealant?
According to ASTM a sealant is defined as "in building construction, a material which has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal."
Access a glossary of terms relating to sealants

What is a joint sealant?
Joint sealants are used to seal joints and openings (gaps) between two or more substrates, and
are a critical component to building design and construction. Learn more about joint sealants.

What markets use adhesives and sealants?
Adhesives and sealants are used in a variety of markets and supplied in many different product forms.

• Market application and product category definitions (NEW harmonized industry definitions agreed to by ASC and FEICA)
• Technologoy x Market Applications Matrix (tab 1 = adhesives, tab 2 = sealants)

Where can I find basic information about raw materials and additives that are used in adhesive and sealant formulations?
ASI magazines Raw Materials, Chemicals and Additives Handbook is published annually and provides descriptions for a comprehensive list of raw materials, chemicals and additives used in the manufacture/formulation of adhesives, sealants, pressure sensitives, tapes and labels. These useful definitions include information about applications and uses of the products. Access the ASI Raw Materials, Chemicals and Additives Handbook and scan down to the "Select a definition" search box. Click on the down arrow to access a menu of raw material and additive options.

How can I access a directory of ASC Members who supply raw materials and additives, adhesives and sealants, and other professional services?
ASC maintains an Online Directory of Manufacturers and Suppliers. Select the type of product (or service) you are interested in researching, and click on the yellow square to access a list of ASC Members who provide the corresponding product or service.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Bonding/Adhesives Textbook | FEICA Educational Materials

Bonding has become an indispensable technique not only in industry but also in everyday life. Bonding allows the production of laminated materials, facilitates mobility and communications, positively influences the handling of foods, supports health and hygiene and improves the quality of our lives. Moreover, many innovative products could not be manufactured without the use of bonding techniques. FEICAs Educational Materials series textbook entitled "Bonding/Adhesives" offers numerous examples.

Other Recommended Reference Books

EPAs Emission Scenario Document on Adhesive Formulation
This EPA document provides information on the sources, use patterns and potential release pathways of chemicals used in the formulation of adhesives. The document presents standard approaches for estimating the environmental releases of and occupational exposures to additives and components used in adhesive formulations. These approaches are intended to provide conservative, screening-level estimates resulting in release and exposure amounts that are likely to be higher, or at least higher than average, than amounts that might actually occur in the real world setting.