Acrylic adhesives are a familiar concept to many. Aside from their use in plastic production, acrylic adhesives have a wide range of practical applications. To learn more about this type of adhesive and its practical applications, check out the article below.
1 What is Acrylic Adhesive?
What is Acrylic Adhesive?
Acrylic adhesives are transparent and allow light to pass through naturally. They are derived from the petroleum production process. Acrylic adhesives typically come in the form of transparent solid plastic, also known as mica, which is flexible, easy to cut and shape. They are commonly used in advertising signage and interior decoration.
There are three types of acrylic adhesives:
- Acrylic sealant: This type of adhesive is in the form of a thick gel. It has excellent moisture resistance, heat resistance, and can be used to fill cracks, gaps, and joints both indoors and outdoors.
- Acrylic resin: This adhesive is used as a water-based color mixed with Epoxy Resin, Polyurethane Resin, or Polyester Resin.
- Two-component acrylic adhesive: This adhesive consists of an acrylic base with two components, A and B, mixed in a specific ratio to form a perfect bond for various materials.
Acrylic adhesives can withstand high temperatures due to their liquid form, while still retaining the properties of plastic. They are highly effective in waterproofing surfaces. As they are transparent, they can be used without affecting the aesthetics or original structure of the application area. Acrylic adhesives are ideal for waterproofing bathroom walls near technical boxes.
2 What are the Characteristics of Acrylic Adhesives?
Liquid Acrylic Adhesive
Liquid acrylic adhesives retain the outstanding characteristics of traditional mica plastic (returning to a solid state upon completion of construction). The addition of certain additives makes acrylic adhesives more flexible and improves their heat and water resistance.
Furthermore, acrylic adhesives exhibit superior performance in waterproofing wall construction. Some of their notable characteristics include:
- Flexibility, making it easy to pump and spread evenly on surfaces and into cracks.
- Fast curing time, providing immediate results.
- Once transformed into a solid state, it exhibits high hardness and can be smoothed using grinding stones or grinding machines.
- The application surface has a high gloss and transparency, maintaining the aesthetics of the structure.
- Excellent waterproofing capabilities.
- Temperature resistance ranging from -10°C to 80°C. Therefore, it is more suitable for indoor construction and should be avoided for outdoor use.
- Effective resistance to dust and mold.
- Low settling and minimal shrinkage.
3 Applications of Solid Acrylic and Acrylic Adhesives
Acrylic Adhesive Filling Gaps
The most common application of acrylic is in the manufacture of decorative furniture and household items, followed by automobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles.
Liquid acrylic is used as a surface coating to prevent water infiltration and must be pumped into gaps and joints to bond plastic with other materials. This type of adhesive is most effective in repairing and separating layers in humid environments.
Some notable applications include:
- Making indoor cabinets, shelves, and furniture.
- Automotive dashboards, clock altars, taillights, and turn signals.
- Replacing glass due to its transparency.
- Creating wood-like finishes for furniture.
- Coating wood, plastered walls, and painted surfaces.
- Filling gaps and cracks in doors.
- Bonding various materials such as wood, glass, and plastic.
5 Acrylic Adhesive Products for Indoor Waterproofing
Note that these products are suitable for areas with temperatures not exceeding 80°C. They are recommended for waterproofing bathrooms, indoor walls, and should not be used outdoors.
Liquid Acrylic Adhesive: Apollo Acrylic A100
Liquid Acrylic Adhesive: Apollo Acrylic A100
Characteristics: The adhesive is white in color. It takes about 10 minutes to harden and shape the surface. The product can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°C to 80°C. It comes in a plastic bottle with a capacity of 300ml.
Construction Applications: It is effective in filling gaps and cracks:
- Gaps in low-shrinkage materials such as aluminum, iron, glass, and plastic.
- Gaps in low-shrinkage materials like aluminum, iron, and plastic.
- Cracks on tiled walls and floors.
- Filling cracks on walls.
- Bonding pipes, tiles, doors, etc.
Construction Method: Apollo adhesive is easy to apply. Simply use a manual glue gun to insert the adhesive tube into the desired area and squeeze the trigger to dispense the glue. Wait for the glue to harden, then use a sharp knife or grinding machine to smooth the surface before proceeding.
Water-based Acrylic Adhesive: SL800
Acrylic Adhesive for Gaps and Tile Glazing
Characteristics: This adhesive is in the form of a thin, milk-like liquid and is available in green or gray. It melts at 100°C and is completely insoluble in water. It can be applied to glazed tiles, walls, etc.
Construction Applications: The product is similar to water-based paint and has the ability to penetrate and protect the surface for a longer period.
When applied to a surface, it forms a thin, hard layer with a glossy finish that is almost dust-free and resistant to water and mold. As it is colorless and odorless, it does not affect the overall aesthetics.
Construction Method: For large surface areas such as walls, use a roller or brush to apply the adhesive evenly. For smaller areas, a spray can be used to apply a thin, even layer of adhesive. The application should be done quickly and evenly as the adhesive dries and bonds rapidly within 30-40 minutes.
We hope that this review and introduction to acrylic adhesive products have provided you with valuable knowledge and helped you choose the right product for your home. Acrylic adhesives will keep your home dry and comfortable. Remember that acrylic adhesives perform best when used indoors and in areas with ideal temperatures.
