Automotive Adhesives: Innovations in Material Sciences and Chemistry Redefining the Sector

Key takeaways:

• Introduction
• Latest trends in the industry
• Key characteristics of pressure-sensitive adhesives

Automotive adhesives are unique bonding agents and sealants used in manufacturing and assembling processes in the automobile design industry. The increase in adoption of these advanced solutions is due to the growing focus on improving the efficiency and safety of vehicles. Traditionally, automotive companies used to rely on mechanical fastening techniques such as welding, punching, folding, etc., to secure different components and build a strong structural framework. However, the main problem with this methodology was that it would increase the weight of the vehicle and the production costs significantly, thus reducing its salability in the market. To deal with this challenge, chemical manufacturing companies have now developed different kinds of automotive adhesives and sealing agents that not only offer durable and resilient bonding solutions but also enhance the overall performance and efficiency of the vehicle.

Innovations in materials sciences boosting the revenue share of the industry

Over the years, automotive adhesive manufacturers have now come up with several types of sealing and bonding agents to address the evolving needs of different light commercial, off-road, passenger, and heavy vehicles. Furthermore, the advent of EVs has increased the applicability of these sealants, thus broadening the scope of the industry. For instance, structural adhesives such as methyl methacrylate, epoxy resins, and polyurethanes are some of the most widely used solutions in the modern automobile sector. Their ability to form strong connections and bonds between different metals, composites, and polymers has made them quite popular in the automotive adhesives sector.

Along with this, rubber adhesives and thermoplastic adhesives are also extensively used by automotive manufacturers due to their flexible nature. Moreover, nitrile rubber bonding agents are utilized for securing components that regularly come in contact with oil and its derivatives. In recent times, materials and chemical companies have developed unique anaerobic adhesives that form strong bonds between two metals and protect them from corrosion and abrasion. Similarly, the preference for silicon-based adhesives has also increased owing to their moisture-repellent and durable characteristics.

In December 2023, Henkel, a German chemical and consumer goods company, announced the launch of Loctite SI 5972FC, a silicone liquid gasketing product for automotive electronic components. A one-part RTV silicone solution, the sealant is designed to accelerate the processes of electronic module bonding. Its tin-free chemical composition makes the product a sustainable alternative to other bonding agents in the industry. As per the press release issued by Henkel, this silicone-based adhesive is ideal for ADAS (Radar) components, battery disconnect units, electronic control units, and electrical power steering power packs.

Growing preference for pressure-sensitive adhesives helping the sector flourish

In the last few years, the development of pressure-sensitive adhesives is also an important trend in the automotive adhesive industry. As the name suggests, these sealants form a bond between two substrates upon application of pressure, unlike regular adhesives that undergo the process of chemical hardening or evaporation. PSAs are mainly used in applications like interior trim bonding wherein different components such as panels, fabrics, and trims are attached to various surfaces inside the vehicle. Moreover, these sealants are also applied to dashboards, door panels, and insulation materials to dampen noise and vibration in the vehicle. In addition, PSAs are utilized as protective films for windows, mirrors, headlights, and other such surfaces to prevent scratches. The versatility, consistency, and instant bonding properties offered by PSAs have made them a popular choice among leading automakers.

The launch of such innovative PSA products is one of the major reasons behind the growth of the automotive adhesives industry. In May 2023, Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG, an adhesive tape technology company, announced the expansion of its product portfolio by unveiling a new range of DuploCOLL® LE 59xxx (Low Emission) PSA tapes. Developed to meet the high-end OEM requirements, the adhesive tape has been designed using sustainable raw materials, thereby reducing the content of volatile organic compounds. The high initial adhesion properties offered by the product help auto manufacturers design different plastic and wood decor components easily.

Winding up, the automotive adhesives industry is projected to experience growth due to the various innovations in the field of material sciences and chemical engineering. Moreover, the advent of pressure-sensitive adhesives and sealants is estimated to impact the industry positively in the coming period.

For more information on the leading growth drivers and investment opportunities in the landscape, contact our experts here!

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