Adhesiva

Adhesiva is a term used to describe substances or materials that bond two surfaces together. These products work by creating a chemical or physical interaction at the interface, often involving curing, setting, or cooling to form a durable bond. Adhesivas come in a wide range of forms, including liquids, pastes, films, and tapes.

Common forms include glues and pastes, as well as tapes with adhesive backing. Major categories are natural adhesives (such as starch- or casein-based formulations) and synthetic adhesives (including epoxies, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, silicones, and acrylics). Within synthetic adhesives, several subtypes are recognized: structural or high-strength adhesives; contact adhesives that bond when pressed together; pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) used on tapes and labels; hot-melt adhesives that solidify upon cooling; and reactive or two-component systems that cure on mixing.

Performance depends on properties such as bond strength, tack, peel resistance, shear strength, and temperature or chemical resistance, as well as cure time and substrate compatibility. Factors influencing results include surface energy, surface preparation, moisture, temperature, and aging. Safety considerations address volatile compounds, skin and eye exposure, ventilation, and proper disposal.

Applications span packaging, woodworking, automotive and aerospace assembly, construction, electronics, and medical devices. The development of adhesivas has evolved from natural, plant- and animal-derived materials to advanced synthetic chemistries, enabling tailored bonding solutions for diverse engineering and consumer needs.