Elastomeric adhesives are formulated from one or more of the many synthetic rubber polymers (or natural rubber) to provide highly flexible, resilient bonds to a variety of substrates. These compounds are based on several basic polymer types and are available in a wide selection of forms for processing by a variety of assembly methods. The most popular synthetic polymer types are: Polychloroprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, and butyl rubber. Generally, elastomeric adhesives are characterized by being: Versatile, economical to use, good for quick assembly, available in many standard formulations, easily tailored to process and product requirements, of high peel strength, and thermoplastic or thermosetting.
Chemical type |
$ (Million) |
Elastomers: |
|
SBR and block copolymers |
581 |
Polychloroprene |
150 |
Butyl rubber |
220 |
Nitrile rubber |
77 |
Reclaim rubber |
44 |
Other elastomerics |
30 |
Total elastomerics |
1102 |
Natural rubber |
350 |
Epoxy |
629 |
Silicone |
860 |
Phenolic |
1650 |
Polyolefins, including |
1290 |
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and |
|
vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) |
|
Polyurethane |
960 |
Acrylics |
709 |
Starch and Dextrin |
730 |
Poly(vinyl acetate) |
662 |
All other types |
2908 |
Total market |
11,850 |
Source: Impact Marketing Consultants. Given economic conditions since 1998, it is likely that the numbers in this table are relatively consistent with the market value of adhesives in 2002. |