The Advantages of Different Types of Hot Melt Adhesives

Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic polymers that are heated and then cooled to form a bond. Since they do not require solvents, they are usually free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer and more eco-friendly than other types of adhesives.

There are many different types of hot melt adhesives, all of which have their own unique benefits and are suited for different applications. Find out about the advantages of common types of hot melt adhesives in this article from the experts at Adfast!

EVA adhesive

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is the most common type of hot melt adhesive. EVA-based adhesives are capable of bonding to a very wide range of substrates and are flexible enough to effectively resist cracking, even when exposed to UV rays. They are also durable, maintaining strong adhesion even under extreme temperatures.

EVA hot melt adhesives have a very fast setting time, which makes them ideal for the packaging industry, as they allow packaging production lines to maintain high and efficient speeds.

Polyolefin adhesive

Polyolefins have a longer pot life than many other types of adhesives. They set quickly and tend to be fairly inexpensive. They can also be applied at lower temperatures than many other adhesives, which improves user safety, reduces energy consumption and lessens their environmental impact.

APAO adhesive

Amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAO) are a popular type of polyolefin adhesive. APAO-based hot melt adhesives are chemically inert and can adhere to non-polar substrates, shiny surfaces and a wide variety of fabrics. As such, they are widely used in the foam mattress manufacturing industry. They provide an effective moisture and gas barrier, have excellent heat and cold resistance, and are highly resistant to UV rays.

Polyamide adhesive

While polyamide hot melt adhesives require high application temperatures, this gives them excellent heat resistance once set. They are also resistant to chemicals, oil and gasoline, making them ideal for use in the automotive industry. They also have low flammability and create an effective barrier to oxygen. They are often used for electrical applications because they can protect the electronics and prevent oxidation.

Polyurethane adhesive

Polyurethane products cure when exposed to moisture. Therefore, hot melt adhesives made with polyurethane are much more effective in damp conditions than other types of adhesives and are waterproof once set, making them ideal for outdoor use. Polyurethane creates a strong, flexible, durable bond that will last for a long time and be able to withstand significant wear and tear.

Pressure sensitive adhesive

Pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives are unique because they retain their ability to form a bond at room temperature. Their exceptionally long open time makes them ideally suited for precoating, where bonding occurs independently of the application process. Pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives are vital for products such as sticky notes, tape, sanitary napkins, diapers and insect traps.

Thermobond: Top-notch hot melt adhesives from Adfast!

Adfast is a company that offers high-quality adhesives and sealants for use in manufacturing and construction. Our comprehensive range of hot melt adhesives include EVA, APAO and pressure sensitive options for a wide variety of uses. Don’t hesitate to contact Adfast for more information! Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you select the right adhesive for your needs.