The automotive industry is shifting what they are looking for in adhesives and sealants in response to changes in automotive assembly, including those brought about by the increased use of lightweight and composite materials in high performance cars in order to reduce vehicle weight and increase fuel efficiency.
As a result the demand has risen for higher performance adhesives and sealants, with stronger resistance to shock, chemicals and vibration for under-the-hood, as well as interior and exterior applications.
Requirements include adhesives which provide seamless attachment of new materials being introduced into automotive assembly such as fabrics, composites, and plastics; and those suitable for potting and sealing components, switches and electrical components. Smart adhesives will stay in demand for the big role they play in LED lighting and provision of vibration damping.
Sealants are drawing new attention for their ability to provide a barrier against dust, dirt, chemicals, and moisture, to contain liquid or gas, and to protect surfaces as well as reducing vibration and noise, performing a joining function, and enhancing performance.
In response to the new expectations and requirements, adhesive companies have been focusing of the development of products based on polyolefins, polyamides, and ethylene vinyl acetates (EVAs), all of which have good adhesive cost per part, provide good adhesion to a range of substrates, and have high plasticizer resistance.