What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of PU adhesive supplier

05 May.,2025

 

Pros and cons of polyurethane adhesives

Pros and cons of polyurethane adhesives

By Dr Keith Berry, technical service manager, Chemique Adhesives and Sealants Ltd

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

The objective of this white paper is to provide a background to one part (1K) and two part (2K) polyurethane adhesive systems. Polyurethane-based adhesives can be formulated to give a wide range of properties that enable them to adhere to many substrates and there are many advantages to using them, as well as a few limitations that must also be considered.

Polyurethane-based adhesives are very versatile with good performance characteristics and can be formulated to give a wide range of physical properties, such as viscosity and application properties, as well as pot life. Polyurethane systems used for adhesives can be separated into two main classifications, these are the 1K (one part) and 2K (two part) systems with both sharing some similarities, as well as each having their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

All polyurethane adhesives use the same chemical reaction as their base, this being a reaction between an isocyanate and a polyol (Figure 1). For 2K systems the isocyanate and the polyol will be manufactured and supplied as separate components. Mixing of the two components, just prior to application, to create the chemical reaction and fully cross-link the system will be required. To ensure this happens correctly an accurate ratio of components and sufficient mixing must be guaranteed.

Alternatively, with 1K systems during manufacture the polyol will be reacted with excess isocyanate such that the polyol chain is terminated with an isocyanate group (Figure 2). The ratio of isocyanate to polyol will help to determine the chain length of the terminated polyurethane prepolymer. This polyurethane prepolymer becomes the reactive component of the 1K system.

To complete the reaction a 1K system will need to interact with water to fully cross-link. Figure 3 shows the chemical reactions that occur between the isocyanate on the end of prepolymer chains of a 1K system and water that results in a polyurea linkage. This means that water needs to be present for a 1K system to cross-link and this can be from moisture in the atmosphere, however, for some adhesives this will be from the application of a water mist prior to the addition of the second substrate being bonded. Alternatively, the prepolymer may be dissolved in a solvent carrier and the prepolymer will react with moisture as the solvent evaporates.

Advantages and limitations

Polyurethane adhesives of both classifications (1K and 2K) share some advantages and limitations. These advantages include the cure time and that pot life can be varied through formulation changes, as well as good resistance to solvents when cured. Depending on the formulation, polyurethane adhesives also have a moderate cost and can be applied using multiple methods such as roller, brush, spray and these can either be manual or automatic.

Polyurethane-based adhesives are also non-flammable and have an excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates. Although they can be solvented, polyurethane-based adhesives can also be supplied solvent-free. Another advantage is that good flexibility can be achieved in the cured product, as well as heat not being required for cure – but can be used to speed up the cure once both substrates are present. They can also stay bonded through a wide range of operating temperatures.

Despite these advantages polyurethane-based adhesives also have some limitations. These include the uncured material being sensitive to moisture, as well as having a shorter shelf life – generally 3 – 12 months for both 1K and 2K adhesives. Although they adhere to most substrates, some substrates may also require a primer for the polyurethane-based adhesive to adhere. Due to the formation of carbon dioxide, which can cause foaming, assemblies made using polyurethane adhesives may also need to be held in a press under sufficient pressure whilst the adhesive cures to stop this occurring.

Due to the way in which the adhesive is supplied and the formation of urea linkages when curing, 1K adhesives also have some additional advantages. These include requiring no mixing, being easy to apply, featuring excellent chemical resistance and they can be either solvented or solvent free depending on the application required.

They will also have some additional limitations in that the cure time and pot life will be very dependent on the ambient conditions. Due to the moisture cured nature of the material, once the container is open it will start to react with moisture in the air – shortening its shelf life and increasing its viscosity. As well as requiring sufficient moisture to fully cure, this may mean appropriate level of water misting before application of the second substrate.

As there are additional advantages and limitations of 1K polyurethane adhesives, this also applies with 2K adhesives. The advantages of 2K adhesives include generally longer shelf lives than 1K polyurethane adhesives, a cure time more dependent on formulation rather than ambient conditions, as well as requiring no additional processes (such as water misting) after the application of the adhesive.

Limitations of 2K polyurethane-based adhesives include that the correct ratio of components is required to properly cure the adhesive, as well as sufficient mixing of the two components before application.

The issues that most often arise with polyurethane adhesives are usually due to one of the following reasons. Firstly, using an adhesive with a pot life that is too short for the conditions so that the substrates are not assembled and under pressure within the pot life. Also, when insufficient adhesive is applied to substrate there is not enough coverage to give a complete bond. If one of the substrates is porous this must be taken into account, as should the uniformity of the surface. Lastly, issues can arise if there’s not enough pressure within the press. The total surface area of the substrate needs to be considered so the pressure is approximately 10psi. 

What Is Polyurethane? - Forgeway Ltd

When it comes to selecting an adhesive, you'll be met with a vast array of choices. Having a choice is good. But too many choices can create decision fatigue. 

You've come across polyurethane adhesives as an option. Now you want to learn more about this adhesive type.

We often get asked about these adhesives here at Forgeway. As an industrial adhesive manufacturer, we have been working with, and alongside, polyurethane adhesives for more than 25 years. In fact, one of our first-ever products was a polyurethane adhesive.

So in this article, we are going to convey our knowledge. You are going to learn the fundamentals of polyurethane adhesives from the typical applications to the pros and cons.

By the end of the article, you'll have a better understanding of one of the most popular adhesive types in the industry. You will be much better placed to make an informed decision about whether they are a good fit for you.

What are polyurethane adhesives?

Polyurethane adhesives (often called PUs) are much the same as other polyurethane products (like foams, sprays, and coatings). They contain a polyol which reacts with an isocyanate to create the final product.

Polyurethane refers to the polymer chains joined by carbamate (urethane) links. The interesting thing about polyurethane products is their ability to be made from a variety of starting materials.

It's the reason you can find polyurethane foams, sprays, and coatings, not just adhesives. It's also the reason you can find different types of polyurethane adhesives.

The characteristics can vary significantly. For example, you can get two-component polyurethane adhesives that have very high strength and rigidity. You can also get single-component polyurethane sealants that are elastic and easy to use.

The use of isocyanates in polyurethane products has recently come under scrutiny due to health concerns. But Polyurethane adhesives continue to be one of the most widely used adhesives worldwide.

Who uses Polyurethane adhesives?

The short answer is 'everyone'. At some point, pretty much everyone will have used a polyurethane adhesive. Whether they are woodworking, repairing something, or sealing up. Polyurethane adhesives are everywhere.

But that's too broad. We want to give you specific applications for polyurethane adhesives:

With competitive price and timely delivery, BGP sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

  • Woodworking and DIY  - Polyurethanes are a very popular woodworking adhesive due to their ability to expand and form a water-resistant bond. 
  • Structural vehicle applications - Some vehicle manufacturers use structural polyurethanes to bond critical materials in place on vehicles. 
  • Industrial sealing applications - Manufacturers of caravans, yachts, and mass transportation vehicles use polyurethane sealants to seal up and ensure the water stays out of their products.
  • Glass bonding applications - Single-component structural polyurethane adhesives can bond glass due to their high strength and flexibility. Vehicle windscreens, boat windows, and even construction glazing all use polyurethane glazing adhesives.
  • Repair adhesives - Tyre punctures, boat repairs, and bumper repairs will typically use a polyurethane-based adhesive.

As you can see, there are a wide range of applications and uses for polyurethane adhesives/sealants. The versatility and variability of these products ensure people use them the world over.

What are the advantages of Polyurethane Adhesives?

Now that you know a bit more about polyurethane adhesives, it's time to analyse the advantages of polyurethane adhesives. For this section, we'll focus on structural polyurethanes and sealants.

Polyurethane adhesives combine strength and flexibility

There is often the perception that strength is the most important characteristic of an adhesive. When in reality, flexibility is just as important. Sometimes more important.

Some grades of polyurethane adhesives combine strength and flexibility. This means that if you have an application that needs to bond heavy materials and withstand movement, a polyurethane can perform well.

Polyurethane adhesives can bond to a wide range of materials

This characteristic is often referred to as 'adhesion spectrum'. PUs have a wide adhesion spectrum to materials like metals, composites, wood, glass, and some plastics.

The ability to bond wood in particular is a significant benefit. Some other structural adhesives (like acrylics) struggle to form a strong bond to wood due to the moisture content.

This wide adhesion spectrum also means you can form a strong bond with dissimilar materials.

Polyurethane adhesives are low cost and high performance

As we alluded to in a previous point, polyurethane adhesives have varying performance. But one of the most beneficial parts of this performance is the performance-to-cost ratio.

Polyurethane adhesives generally will be among the lower-cost options. Structural polyurethanes may not be as strong as epoxy or acrylic alternatives. But they will be able to compete on price.

And this price to performance ratio is one of the biggest factors behind their popularity.

What are the disadvantages of Polyurethane adhesives?

So now that you have an idea about the advantages, it's time to assess the disadvantages. Polyurethane adhesives come with drawbacks too.

Polyurethane adhesives are sensitive to UV

Sensitivity to UV is generally only a problem when the adhesive has aesthetic requirements such as bonding and sealing applications on vehicles.

Sealant yellowing certainly isn't an issue isolated to polyurethanes. Silicone and Hybrid Polymer-based products can also face the same problem but aren't as likely to.

It also isn't an issue that is isolated to polyurethane adhesives. The yellowing will also occur in polyurethane foams and coatings. Products made from polyurethane are known to turn yellow when exposed to UV.

This yellowing issue can also cause more than just an aesthetic problem. The yellowing can lead to degradation which can lead to failure in sealing applications.

Polyurethane adhesives carry health and safety concerns

As mentioned earlier, polyurethane adhesives have faced recent H+S scrutiny. The EU has implemented restrictions on the use of most polyurethane-based products.

This is because of the isocyanate content. They state that any product containing isocyanates should not be used for industrial applications unless:

  • The concentration of isocyanate is less than 0.1%
  • The users have received approved training on safe usage

Such restrictions have led manufacturers and industrial users to search for alternative adhesives because the training is not always viable. It's also often undesirable.

Polyurethane adhesives can require extensive surface preparation

All adhesives require surface preparation before bonding. Some will require more preparation than others though. This can lead to extended cycle times impacting production throughput.

Traditional polyurethane adhesives would require abrasion and sometimes priming a surface to ensure a strong bond. Recently developed PUs may not require such extensive preparation to achieve a strong bond.

Nevertheless, polyurethane adhesives for glazing are one of the biggest culprits. They will demand a primed surface to form a strong bond with glass.

On average, polyurethane adhesives will require more surface preparation than other adhesive types to perform. These added steps in the bonding process will increase the likelihood of operator error.

Are polyurethane adhesives a good fit for you

You've read about the applications, the pros, and the cons of polyurethane adhesives. Your understanding of this adhesive chemistry is much greater than it was a few minutes ago. But the question may remain; are polyurethane adhesives the right option for you?

This question often comes to us at Forgeway. Although we supply some polyurethane adhesives, we know that they aren't the best choice for every application.

However, if you're looking for an affordable adhesive with high performance and a broad adhesion spectrum, polyurethanes would likely be a good option to explore. Visit our Pyrok range of PU adhesives by clicking here.

Or, if you're worried about health and safety concerns and need the adhesive to be easy to use and durable in UV-harsh conditions, it would be better to look at alternative adhesives.

Still stuck? You can read more articles comparing polyurethanes against other adhesive types. Or you can get in touch with an adhesive expert to help you solve your exact challenge.

The company is the world’s best PU adhesive supplier supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.