Most people think that adhesives are either “glue” or “super glue.” They don’t even know that several different types of adhesives are available in the market for different types of work.
While some adhesives are versatile and can be used on many projects and industries, others aren’t as universal.
However, to find that out, you need to know the types of adhesives first. And “What are the six most common types of adhesives?”
Well, I have discussed them in detail below so that you know these adhesives better and can buy the right ones for your project.
Learn More: What Adhesive Sticks to Silicone?
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What Are the 6 Most Common Types of Adhesives?
Here are the 6 most common types of adhesives available in the market. Learn more about them so that you can make an informed decision wisely.
1. Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (CA)
Most commonly known as the “Super glue,” the Cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA) is a fast-drying glue that works even under pressure and moisture.
Made with cyanoacrylate, this glue creates a super-strong bond between the surfaces, which doesn’t get affected by temperature, chemicals, or any other external factor.
Moreover, as it is fast-drying, it will adhere to the surfaces faster than the others. You don’t have to wait long to use them after the adhesion.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: Cyanoacrylate
Color: Clear
Temperature Resistance: Yes
Chemical Resistance: Yes
Suitable Surface: Wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and many other materials.
Learn More: What Adhesive Sticks To Metal?
2. Epoxy Adhesive (EA)
Epoxy adhesives are the most common type of adhesives around. Made from a combination of resin or epoxy polymer and a hardener, this thermosetting adhesive is used to join and adhere a range of surfaces together with a strong, permanent, and robust bond.
The bond that epoxy adhesives create is so strong and durable that it can withstand high heat, extreme stress, and weather conditions without messing apart.
Moreover, this adhesive is versatile and can be used on different types of surfaces for different type of needs.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: Epoxy resin and hardener
Color: Clear and other colors
Temperature Resistance: Yes
Chemical Resistance: Yes
Suitable Surface: Metal, glass, concrete, ceramics, wood, a few plastics, and others.
3. Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) is a special type of adhesive that is made with water and a polymer to create its effectiveness. Commonly known as “wood glue,” this adhesive comes in liquid or paste form and has a clear or white color.
Specially formulated for rough and porous surfaces, this glue forms a super strong and durable bond between the surfaces so that they don’t come off anytime soon.
Also, even though it is called “wood glue,” this adhesive is versatile and can be used to adhere a whole lot of materials without any problem.
Moreover, as it dries and cures quickly, you don’t have to wait for days to use your project after gluing it with PVA glue.
Another advantage of PVA glue that would blow your mind is that it is non-toxic and doesn’t let out any toxic gas. Therefore, you can use it on different school projects and crafts without any fear.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: Water and synthetic polymer
Color: Clear, milky white
Temperature Resistance: Yes
Chemical Resistance: Yes
Suitable Surface: Paper, cardboard, fabric, and wood.
4. Polyurethane Adhesive (PA)
Polyurethane adhesive (PA) is a polymer-based, thermoplastic adhesive that is incredibly versatile and effective as well. Be it wood, glass, concrete, metals, carpets, and others, this glue will create a strong bond for your convenience.
However, unlike other adhesives, it isn’t compatible with any plastic. This glue won’t adhere to any plastic in any way.
One notable characteristic of PA adhesives is that they are super flexible. It means that you can play with the bond and its pattern until the glue is fully cured.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: Various types of isocyanates, polyols, and hardener
Color: Clear, white, and black
Temperature Resistance: Yes
Chemical Resistance: Yes
Suitable Surface: Wood, glass, concrete, metals, carpets, and others (no plastic).
5. Hot Melt Adhesive (HMA)
Hot glue or hot melt adhesive, however you call it, is an interesting type of glue that you can use. As the name suggests, it melts in heat and prepares itself for use. In general, this adhesive remains in solid form at room temperature.
Even though you need to heat this adhesive in order to use it, HMA is incredibly easy and fuss-free to use. There are fewer chances that you would make a mess.
Another thing about hot melt adhesive is that as it is formulated for woodworking, crafts, and other projects, it’s not as strong as the others on the list.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), APAO (Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin), and PA (Poly Amides)
Color: Clear or white
Temperature Resistance: Yes
Chemical Resistance: Yes
Suitable Surface: Paper, cardboard, wood, as well as some plastics.
6. Pressure-sensitive Adhesive
As the name suggests, pressure-sensitive adhesives are a special type of glue that is activated when pressure is applied. Most commonly used in labels, tapes, and stickers, this adhesive comes in different strength levels and different forms.
While some of these adhesives are wide, some are small, and some might be of any particular size.
However, one thing about this adhesive that you must keep in mind is that it needs to be applied on an even surface. Otherwise, the adhesive won’t work.
Common Specification
Chemical Composition: Acrylate polymer, and rubber
Color: Different colors
Temperature Resistance: Not too much
Chemical Resistance: No
Suitable Surface: Plastic, cloth, paper, metal or other flexible materials.
Editor’s Opinion
There might be different brands of glues and adhesives available in the market.
However, the types of adhesives are always the same, and I have discussed the 6 most common types of adhesives for your better understanding.
From my “easy to understand” explanations, learn more about these 6 types of glues so that when you want to buy one for your project, you know exactly which adhesive to get.
