The Present and Future Use of Solvent and Evaporative Types of Adhesives in the Automotive Industry

Uses of solvent and evaporative type adhesives in the automotive industry are reviewed. The use of adhesives is traced from the earliest days when fasteners were screws, nails, and wood glue to the development of neoprene type adhesives used during late 1940's, and to the evaporative adhesives made from synthetic elastomers and resins in use today.

Specifications are presented covering requirements of a sprayable, fast air-drying rubber based solvent type adhesive, as well as requirements for a fast-setting synthetic water dispersion adhesive system.

Problems facing automotive engineers in selection of adhesives are demands for safety, elimination of toxicity, danger of flammability, and air pollution control. The future of automotive solvents and evaporative adhesives is an exciting one and new developments such as irradiation activation and ultrasonic curing will help meet challenges of the future.