Which Prominent Aerospace Adhesives Trends Do Businesses Need to Adopt?

Highlights

• Introduction
• The potential of waterborne adhesives
• Trends in aerospace adhesives
• Key acquisitions and product launch

Aerospace adhesives are adhesive formulations designed to fulfil the rigorous requirements of the aerospace sector. These adhesives play a pivotal role in the manufacturing, assembly, and upkeep of a wide range of aerospace components & structures, ranging from spacecraft to aircraft. 

Aerospace adhesives are extensively used in aircraft, covering internal & external components and the engine compartment. Their applicability is diverse, including retaining components, securing threads, sealing threads, and creating gaskets. These adhesives effectively deliver stress across bonded joints by enhancing the structural integrity of aircraft. Additionally, they act as a protective barrier against corrosion, which is essential for durability and reliability of aircraft elements. The strategic application of adhesives contributes to improved aerodynamics, enabling streamlined and smoother aircraft designs.

Waterborne adhesives have gained popularity due to low toxicity

Waterborne or water-based adhesives utilize water as a solvent and are categorized as low volatile organic compounds (VOC) compounds. The properties of a waterborne adhesive product depend on its chemical composition, which includes resins, fillers, and antifoams. The advantages associated with waterborne adhesives include low toxicity, high solid content, low VOC content, and strong initial adhesion. These properties have led to increased adoption of waterborne adhesives in the aviation industry. 

Waterborne adhesives are used on various substrates such as wood, metal, plaster, concrete, plastic, and bricks, making them suitable for applications in packaging, automotive, and construction industries. The waterborne adhesives industry is expected to generate the highest revenue of $315.5 million by 2032. Moreover, the production of aerosol contacts adhesives formulated with water as their base liquid has increased.

Prominent trends in the global aerospace adhesives sector

Improved longevity and durability

Aircraft interiors endure continual wear and tear, ranging from passenger traffic to fluctuating cabin pressures. Aerospace adhesives have advanced to provide improved durability and longevity, guaranteeing the secure attachment of components throughout the aircraft's lifespan. Adhesives possessing exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures, humidity, and chemicals are necessary for upholding the strength of interior structures.

Adhesives for the latest materials

Carbon fiber lightweight metals and composites have become more prevalent in manufacturing of aerospace interior components due to their innovative properties. Adhesives formulated for these materials are in high demand due to their ability to provide strong bonding capable of withstanding the stresses encountered during flight. In the assembly of modern aircraft, highly specialized adhesives are developed for bonding CFRP.

Sustainable adhesives

With the rise in significance of sustainability across all economic sectors, aerospace adhesives have transitioned toward environmentally friendly solutions. Manufacturers are trying to develop adhesives that eliminate VOCs and other potentially harmful substances to mitigate their environmental impact. By utilizing renewable ingredients like lignin and soy, these eco-friendly adhesives align with the industry's goal of reducing its total carbon footprint.

Lightweight and strong adhesives

A notable trend in aerospace adhesives is the advancement of lightweight yet high-strength formulations. Manufacturers focus on adhesives that provide exceptional bonding strength without introducing unnecessary weight, driven by the continuous push to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency. The adhesives, commonly formulated with epoxy and acrylic resins, provide strong bonding capabilities while efficiently reducing the weight of aircraft.

Why has the Asia-Pacific aerospace adhesives industry experienced transformation?

The aerospace adhesives industry across Asia-Pacific has experienced growth due to surge in demand for new cargos and commercial aircraft in various countries. Moreover, an increase in demand for aviation and maintenance services is expected to indirectly drive the need for adhesives used in these service activities. Among the countries in Asia-Pacific, India is projected to display a notable CAGR of 7.9% by 2032.

How have top entities maintained their supremacy in this dynamic industry?

The global aerospace adhesives sector has experienced transformation due to surge in the number of air passengers & aircraft, increase in demand for fuel-efficient & lightweight aircraft, and rise in the integration of composites in aircraft production. Top players have incorporated strategic alliances to sustain this dynamic industry. For instance, in March 2022, Arkema acquired Ashland's Performance Adhesives business, marking a significant milestone in Bostik's ambitious long-term growth strategy. This strategic move enabled Arkema to broaden its portfolio of solutions and solidify its position as a key player in the high-performance industrial adhesives industry.

On the other hand, on February 13, 2024, PPG expanded its aerospace portfolio with the introduction of two new adhesives PG PR-2936™ and PPG PR-2940™ ESPA (epoxy syntactic paste adhesive).

PPG PR-2940 ESPA adhesive is a lightweight potting compound employed by both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) customers for secondary aircraft structures. PPG PR-2936 adhesive is employed by OEMs to fix the metallic or composite skin of an aircraft's internal structures. This epoxy-derived adhesive solidifies at ambient temperatures and is specifically formulated to fill gaps between the primary & secondary structures.

To sum up, the global aerospace adhesives industry has gained popularity due to surge in the number of air passengers & aircraft, increase in demand for fuel-efficient & lightweight aircraft, and rise in the integration of composites in aircraft production. However, technological advancements in aircraft and heightened demand for commercial aircraft are anticipated to open new avenues for the sector in the future. 

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