| Two-part epoxy | Metal and composite bonding, structural assemblies, transportation equipment, machinery, and repair systems | Approximately −50°C to 150°C; specialized formulations may extend beyond this range | Two-component mix; working time commonly ranges from several minutes to approximately one hour; full cure often requires 24 hours at room temperature | High lap-shear strength, good gap filling, strong adhesion to many metals and composites, generally good chemical and moisture resistance | Often available as 100% solids or low-VOC systems; some curing agents may cause skin or respiratory sensitization; hazardous classification must be checked under the local SDS | ISO 4587 or ASTM D1002 for lap shear; ISO 9142 for environmental durability; EU REACH and CLP; US TSCA; UN GHS-based hazard communication | High. Two-component packaging is widely available, but resin-to-hardener ratios and temperature-controlled storage requirements must be managed |
| One-part moisture-curing polyurethane | Construction components, wood products, transportation interiors, panels, and flexible assemblies | Approximately −40°C to 100°C; heat-resistant grades may provide higher short-term performance | Moisture-activated; cure speed depends on humidity, joint thickness, temperature, and substrate moisture; commonly slower than instant or light-cured systems | Good flexibility, vibration resistance, impact tolerance, and adhesion to porous substrates; generally lower ultimate strength than structural epoxies | Low-solvent and solvent-free grades are available; unreacted diisocyanates require strict exposure controls and may be subject to regional restrictions or training requirements | ISO 17178 for wood adhesives where applicable; ISO 4587 or ASTM D1002 for comparative strength; EU REACH restriction requirements for diisocyanates; EU CLP and local GHS rules | Medium to high. Moisture sensitivity, limited shelf life after opening, and packaging-barrier requirements affect international logistics |
| Modified silane polymer | Sealing and bonding in building materials, rail interiors, vehicle bodies, appliances, and industrial panels | Approximately −40°C to 100°C; some grades offer higher continuous-use temperatures | Moisture-curing; skin formation and full cure vary with humidity, temperature, and bead thickness | Elastic, weather-resistant, and low-shrinkage; suitable for joints exposed to movement, but usually not the first choice for very high structural loads | Many solvent-free, low-odor, and isocyanate-free options are available; formulation-specific biocides, plasticizers, and catalyst classifications still require review | ISO 11600 for building sealant classification where applicable; ISO 8339 for façade sealants; EU REACH and CLP; VOC requirements depend on the country and use category | High. Ambient storage is generally simpler than refrigerated systems, but moisture-barrier cartridges or foil packs are important |
| Acrylic structural adhesive | Metal, plastic, composite, sign, appliance, and transportation assemblies requiring rapid handling strength | Approximately −40°C to 120°C, depending on formulation and loading conditions | Two-part reactive cure; handling strength may develop in minutes, with final properties developing over several hours | High strength and good impact tolerance; often bonds difficult plastics and coated metals with limited surface preparation | Some systems have strong odor and flammable components; solvent-free grades exist, but workplace ventilation and flammability controls may still be required | ISO 4587 or ASTM D1002; ISO 9142 for durability screening; EU REACH and CLP; transport classification under applicable dangerous-goods rules | Medium. Fast cure improves production throughput, while flammability classification and cold-weather performance can complicate transport |
| Cyanoacrylate | Small-part assembly, electronics, rubber, plastics, and rapid fixture operations | Approximately −50°C to 80°C for many general-purpose grades | Very rapid moisture-triggered cure, often seconds to minutes; gap filling and repositioning time are limited | High initial handling strength on close-fitting joints; comparatively brittle and less suitable for large gaps, impact, or sustained high humidity | Low or zero solvent is common, but vapors can irritate eyes and airways; blooming and odor may affect enclosed production areas | ISO 4587 or ASTM D1002 for comparative testing; EU REACH and CLP; product-specific electrical, optical, or medical compliance where relevant | Medium. Small containers are easy to ship, but shelf life and temperature exposure must be controlled |
| Hot-melt adhesive | Packaging, bookbinding, filters, nonwoven products, furniture, and high-speed automated assembly | Approximately −20°C to 80°C for common grades; specialized chemistries may extend the range | Thermoplastic melt application; sets as it cools, typically enabling seconds-level handling | Fast processing and no curing reaction; heat resistance, creep resistance, and low-temperature flexibility vary substantially by polymer type | Usually solvent-free with low VOC emissions during normal use; heated equipment creates burn, thermal-decomposition, and energy-use risks | ASTM D4498 for heat stability of hot-melt adhesives; ISO 11339 where applicable; packaging and food-contact requirements must be assessed for the end use | Very high for ambient transport. Solid form reduces leakage risk, but storage temperature and melting equipment requirements remain relevant |
| Water-based dispersion | Paper, packaging, woodworking, labels, textiles, and porous-substrate assembly | Approximately 0°C to 70°C for many general-purpose grades; application-specific formulations vary | Water evaporation or absorption into porous substrates; drying time is affected by humidity, airflow, temperature, and coating weight | Good coverage and processability on porous materials; generally less resistant to prolonged water exposure and low temperatures than reactive systems | Typically low VOC and low flammability; preservatives, ammonia, and other formulation components may still require occupational and wastewater controls | VOC limits under regional air-quality rules; EN 204 for classification of certain wood adhesives; packaging, food-contact, and biocide rules where applicable | Medium. Water content increases freight weight, and freeze protection is required during cold-weather storage and transport |
| UV- or light-curing adhesive | Glass, optics, electronics, medical-device assembly, and transparent-component bonding | Approximately −40°C to 120°C, depending on chemistry and post-cure conditions | Cures in seconds under suitable wavelength and light intensity; shadowed areas may require a secondary moisture, heat, or chemical cure | Excellent process speed and optical clarity in suitable grades; joint reliability depends strongly on light access, substrate transmission, and aging performance | Often solvent-free; operators require controls for uncured resin and optical radiation; photoinitiator and extractables assessment may be required for sensitive applications | ISO 4587 or ASTM D1002 for comparative bonding; ISO 10993 for applicable medical-device biological evaluation; EU REACH, CLP, and electrical-product requirements where relevant | Medium. Light-sensitive packaging, equipment compatibility, and controlled storage conditions are important for international distribution |
