Elastomers and their Adhesion

Abstract

Abstract The last general review of elastomeric adhesion and adhesives appeared in this journal eight years ago. At that time an attempt was made, at least in a limited way, to develop the subject from its scientific beginnings and to present a fairly broad and connected picture. The objective of the present review will be more modest, an up-dating only. Much of what was said in the earlier review remains pertinent and relevant today, and no attempt will be made to restate such material in detail, although summarization of current status will be attempted. On the theoretical side, emphasis will be on those studies which have modified earlier views, disproved some theories or strongly confirmed others, or unified previously disconnected observations. On the technological side, emphasis will be on new applications for adhesives, new adhesive raw materials and techniques and the increased scope they offer, and new materials to be bonded with the problems and challenges they engender. For some time, growth in adhesives has consistently outstripped the general economy, and elastomeric adhesives have more than held their own as compared with other types. Adhesive production in 1965 was estimated at 3.2 billion solid pounds. Probably at least 10% of this could be considered elastomeric, and, if expressed in dollar value, would be a much greater proportion. A recent estimate of growth rate for adhesives and sealants was 10% per year, approximately twice that of the dry rubber industry. There is every reason to believe that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future as the former psychological resistance to “gluing” as opposed to rivets, bolts, nails, and welds fast disappears. Accelerating economic growth has stimulated technical advances, and the reverse, and this is reflected in a burgeoning literature.