What's the difference between solvent-free substances and glues?

Solvent-free materials and adhesives are two different concepts, and there are many differences between them in terms of composition, characteristics, applications, etc. The details are as follows:

Composition

1. Solvent-free materials: Broadly speaking, solvent-free does not refer to a single category of substances. Instead, it means that certain products or materials do not contain components that act as solvents. For example, solvent-free coatings and solvent-free inks may consist of components such as resins, pigments, and curing agents. Through specific formula and process design, they can achieve their functions without using traditional organic solvents.
2. Adhesives: Usually, adhesives have viscous high-molecular polymers as the main components, such as epoxy resins, polyurethanes, and acrylates. Then, auxiliary components like plasticizers, fillers, and solvents are added to adjust the performance and construction process of the adhesives. Solvents in adhesives are often used to dissolve high-molecular polymers, making them have appropriate viscosity and fluidity for easy coating and construction.

Characteristics

1. Solvent-free materials

• Environmental friendliness: Since they do not contain organic solvents, they will not volatilize organic pollutants during use, which is more friendly to the environment and human health and meets environmental requirements.
• Safety: Solvent-free products generally do not have the dangerous characteristics of organic solvents such as flammability and explosiveness, and are safer during use and storage.
• Curing performance: For solvent-free coatings or adhesives, etc., there will be no problems such as shrinkage during the curing process due to solvent evaporation. They can form a denser and more stable coating or bonding layer.

       2. Adhesives

• Viscosity: The main characteristic of adhesives is their good viscosity, which can firmly bond different objects together. According to different materials and application scenarios, different viscosity strengths are available for selection.
• Adaptability: There are a wide variety of adhesives. By adjusting the formula and components, they can adapt to the bonding of various materials, such as metals, plastics, wood, ceramics, etc.
• Influence of solvents: For adhesives containing solvents, their performance may be affected by factors such as the solvent evaporation rate and residue amount. For example, incomplete solvent evaporation may lead to incomplete curing of the adhesive, affecting the bonding strength.

Applications

1. Solvent-free materials

• Solvent-free coatings: They are often used in occasions with high environmental requirements, such as food and beverage packaging, and the inner wall coating of drinking water pipes, which can avoid the pollution of food and water quality caused by solvent residues. They are also used for the anti-corrosion coating of some high-end industrial equipment, providing good protective performance.
• Solvent-free adhesives: They are widely used in industries with high reliability requirements, such as electronics and automobiles. They are used to bond electronic components, automobile interior parts, etc., ensuring the bonding quality and product stability.

       2. Adhesives

• Daily bonding: In daily life, adhesives are used for pasting paper, repairing items, etc., such as the common 502 adhesive and white glue.
• Industrial manufacturing: In industries such as furniture manufacturing, construction decoration, and the footwear industry, adhesives are used to bond materials such as wood, plates, tiles, and leather. They are important materials for product assembly and manufacturing.