Properties of adhesives

Abstract The breadth of chemical, physical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the various commercially available adhesives has greatly increased their use in many and diverse industries. In this chapter, the key properties, including process parameters for effective use of adhesives, are described. Emphasis is given in discussing two characteristics of adhesives, and polymers in general, that must be understood for the effective use of adhesive: the glass transition and viscoelasticity. Test methods for determining the adhesive properties are described, and important test considerations are discussed throughout.