Understanding Adhesive Properties: Forms & Characteristics

Adhesives come in various physical forms tailored to application method and substrate.

Common Forms

• Liquid – low viscosity; wets surfaces, penetrates pores; cures by solvent evaporation, chemical reaction, or cooling (hot melt). Examples: white glue, cyanoacrylate, epoxy resin.
• Paste – high viscosity; fills gaps, vertical surfaces. Examples: construction adhesive, dental cement.
• Powder – dry; mixed with water/solvent on-site. Examples: tile mortar, bone cement.
• Film – pre-formed sheet with adhesive coating; uniform thickness. Examples: aerospace/automotive bonding, laminated glass.
• Tape – adhesive coated on backing (paper, cloth, foam, film); pressure-sensitive (PSA) or heat-activated. Examples: masking tape, duct tape, VHB, medical tapes.

Key Properties

• Adhesion (to substrate), cohesion (internal strength)
• Viscosity, cure time, temperature resistance
• Shear, peel, tensile strength
• Chemical/UV/moisture resistance