How to formulate chemical resistant adhesives?
Last update on Jun 13, 2025
Chemical resistance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an adhesive. In environments with exposure to acids, bases, solvents, or fuels, a standard adhesive might break down. This weakens the bond and compromises the entire application. It can often worsen and end up in joint failure and potential safety hazards.
What factors can influence chemical resistance?
The most critical ones are:
Temperature of the chemicals: Sulphuric acid is more aggressive at 80°C than at 25°C.
Concentration of the solution: A high concentration is more aggressive than a diluted version.
Specific chemical your substrate is exposed to: Under the same conditions, polyurethane may be able to resist the attack vs. polyethylene.
Length of exposure: The longer the exposure, the larger the damage. Also, a soak is more aggressive than just a splash or wipe.