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Sample report for adhesive category. Other reports may vary in format.
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| 15.37xEA - Urethane (Thermosetting) - European Adhesives
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This raw material market report on thermosetting urethanes includes information on all thermosetting urethane resins, as well as the isocyanate compounds and blended compositions in which a urethane is the main constituent. Thermosetting urethanes are resins based on the reaction product of polyisocyanate and a hydroxyl-containing chemical, such as a polyether polyol, acrylic polyol or polyester polyol. Included in this category are all adhesives products which contain unreacted or free isocyanate functionality and are, therefore, capable of further chemical polymerization or crosslinking, either at ambient or elevated temperature. The molecular weight and functionality, as well as the isocyanate/hydroxyl ratio of the raw materials, allow the design of thermosetting urethane adhesive systems that range in properties from soft, rubber-like products to hard, tensile strength plastics.
One- and two-package thermosetting urethane adhesives are commercially available. Both types are based on polyol-polyisocyanate prepolymers that contain reactive isocyanate functionality. Prepolymers are usually marketed as high solids (65+%) solutions in anhydrous solvents. However, new technology developed over the past five years in water-based polyurethanes has brought about a 2-part system in which part one is an isocyanate functional 100% material, and part two is a functional reactive latex polymer that reacts with part one when mixed. The pot life is relatively short, but the adhesive becomes a crosslinked thermoset at room temperature.
In two-package adhesive applications, the prepolymer is mixed just prior to use with a crosslinking component, such as a polyol or polyamine. Cure time and adhesive properties will depend upon the chemistry and the ratios of the components with the frequent use of automated equipment to help ensure proper mixing and metering. In some applications, the component ratios are adjusted to provide a mixture containing an excess of isocyanate, which is then available for chemical bonding to the substrate surface. Two component urethane adhesives are used for a variety of applications demanding adhesion to metal, certain plastics (such as fiber-reinforced polyester) and rubber.
One component thermosetting urethane adhesives are also based on polyol-polyisocyanate polymers containing reactive isocyanate functionality. After application, the adhesive cures by a variety of chemical mechanisms, including reactions with the substrate, atmospheric and surface moisture and copolymerization. Cure rate and ultimate adhesive properties, such as flexibility and cohesive strength, are controlled by selection of prepolymer raw materials.
Also included in the one component category are moisture cure urethanes, which rely on available moisture for chain extension to achieve the desired molecular weight. Reactive systems that contain blocked isocyanate functionality also qualify. These products will only copolymerize at an elevated temperature when the blocking groups (substituted phenols) chemically dissociate and are vaporized. One component thermosetting urethane adhesives are used in film laminating applications involving the bonding of dissimilar plastic and rubber substrates.
Polyurethane adhesives used for bonding scrap polyurethane foam (e.g., for carpet underlay) are not included in this study, nor are the polyurethane resins used as sand cure adhesives in foundry applications.
This resin classification market report on urethane (thermosetting) estimates 2003 demand with a historical perspective back to 1998 as well as forecasts through 2008 within the Europe / European Adhesives Industry. |
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| Report Table of Contents |
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Urethane (Thermosetting) Report - Europe / European Adhesives Industry - RAW MATERIAL Market
Market Information - Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Regional Information - Forecasting Trends
Market Segmentation Information and Driving Forces
Formulative Technology Information – Forecasting Size and Growth Trends
Growth Opportunities – Size and Growth Trend
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