Many adhesive chemistries are well-known and have existed for years. Materials like epoxy, acrylates, polyurethanes, and silicones are familiar in many industries and homes as well. Each of them has distinct properties and applications for which they are known. With this in mind, there also exists important areas of overlap between the chemistries that can afford new tailored enhancements.

Recently, hybridization (or the blending of the best features of the different chemistries) has become a key strategy to gain further enhancements where one chemistry may lack. As a result, a well-designed hybrid adhesive can provide users added benefits, while retaining the base properties that historically made the different adhesive chemistries the selection of choice.

Combining Epoxy & Silane-terminated Polyurethane

ITW Performance Polymers, through its diversified portfolio, is an important manufacturer of epoxies and polyurethanes. Epoxy adhesives are well known for their strength, adhesion properties, and chemical & temperature resistance. Polyurethanes are durable and have varying cure rates from slow to fast. Adding silicone adhesive groups to traditional polyurethanes result in an adhesive type called SPUR or more broadly known as an SMP (silane-modified polymer), which are well known to be more UV-resistant with a broad adhesion range.  Further combining this hybrid material with epoxy creates a structural adhesive that has a combination of strength, stiffness, and elongation that is uniquely positioned to be used in many industries and applications.

Hybrid Adhesives & Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles & stationary battery manufacturing, as one of the most important & fast-growing new industries in the world, have several applications that are well suited for epoxy-SMP hybrid materials. In particular, pack/housing bonding & sealing, welding joint protection, and cooling-plate bonding & sealing in combination with mechanical fastening.