Industrial Chemicals
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Industrial Chemicals
Oct. 15, 2025
In modern construction, selecting the right structural adhesive is as crucial as choosing the right foundation material. Whether used for bonding concrete, sealing metal joints, or assembling façade panels, the correct adhesive ensures long-term strength and safety. Because there are various types of structural adhesives—including epoxy resin, polyurethane, acrylic resin, and silicon resin—understanding their differences helps buyers and engineers make informed decisions for each project.
A structural adhesive is designed to bear heavy loads and create strong, durable joints between different materials. Compared with mechanical fasteners, these adhesives distribute stress evenly, reduce corrosion risk, and often provide better aesthetics.
Selection Factor | What to Consider | Recommended Adhesive Types |
Substrate compatibility | Ensure chemical and physical bonding with both surfaces. | Epoxy resin for metals and concrete; silicon resin for glass or plastics. |
Load-bearing strength | Match adhesive toughness with expected tensile or shear stress. | Epoxy resin, acrylic resin for rigidity; polyurethane, chloroprene rubber for flexibility. |
Environmental exposure | Temperature, UV, and moisture resistance. | Silicone sealant and polyurethane resin sealant for outdoor conditions; epoxy resin sealant for industrial use. |
Application process | Curing time, temperature, and mixing ratio. | Acrylic resin for fast curing; epoxy resin for controlled and high-strength bonding. |
Movement and flexibility | Structures that expand or vibrate need elasticity. | Polyurethane and modified silicone resin. |
Each of these types of structural adhesives performs differently under stress, so choosing based on real-world conditions ensures better bonding and service life.
Adhesive Type | Main Features | Typical Building Applications |
Epoxy resin | High strength, strong adhesion to metals and concrete, chemical resistance. | Anchoring systems, concrete repair, prefabricated structure bonding. |
Polyurethane | Excellent flexibility, impact resistance, waterproofing. | Expansion joints, structural glazing, façade sealing. |
Acrylic resin | Fast curing, good toughness, and impact strength. | Lightweight composite bonding, on-site assembly. |
Silicon resin | UV and weather resistance, long-term elasticity. | Curtain walls, glass façades, exterior panel joints. |
Modified silicone resin | Combines flexibility and high bonding strength. | Hybrid construction adhesives, multi-material bonding. |
Polyvinyl acetate | Good adhesion for porous materials. | Wood panels, interior finishing. |
Chloroprene rubber | Durable under vibration and thermal cycles. | Floor coatings, insulation joints. |
Isobutylene isoprene rubber | Excellent sealing and water resistance. | Roofing and waterproof joint systems. |
Modern construction often requires a balance of strength and flexibility. Hybrid formulations—such as polyurethane resin or modified silicone resin—combine the rigidity of epoxy resin with the elasticity of silicon resin. These are ideal for applications such as:
Multi-material façades combining metal and glass
Prefabricated modules with vibration-prone joints
Energy-efficient window bonding systems
In addition, supporting materials like EVA resin and polyvinyl alcohol are often added to improve flow and consistency, especially in automated adhesive application processes.
Test before application – Always run small-scale adhesion tests on your actual materials.
Review technical data sheets – Check curing time, temperature resistance, and bond strength values.
Match adhesive to environment – Use polyurethane or silicon-based systems for outdoor projects, epoxy for industrial environments.
Consider service life – The best structural adhesive is not always the strongest one, but the one that maintains strength under real use conditions.
As construction technology advances, so do the types of structural adhesives used in the field. From epoxy resin to polyurethane, acrylic resin, and silicon resin, each plays a vital role in creating safer, more efficient structures.
For example, industrial-grade materials such as epoxy resin and polyurethane available from TJCY Industrial Chemicals are frequently used in infrastructure, civil engineering, and architectural applications.
Understanding these differences helps engineers and procurement professionals choose the most suitable structural adhesive—ensuring both durability and performance for every building project.
Tianjin Chengyi International Trading Co., Ltd.
8th floor 5th Building of North America N1 Cultural and Creative Area，No. 95 South Sports Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
+86 351 828 1248 / +86 351 828 1246
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