In the Aerospace Field
The new strip-shaped epoxy resin type foaming structural adhesive undergoes a curing and foaming reaction after heating. It can fill the gaps between two base materials and bond them together, thus endowing the material with functions such as weight reduction, sealing, and enhancement of mechanical properties. When the epoxy foam adhesive is placed between two panels, after foaming, it can fill the gaps between them, which not only strengthens the panels but also forms a waterproof structure.
In the aerospace field, the new strip-shaped epoxy resin type foaming structural adhesive, after heating, undergoes a curing and foaming reaction, enabling it to fill the gaps between two base materials and bond them together, thereby giving the material the effects of weight reduction, sealing, and improvement of mechanical properties. Placing the epoxy foam adhesive between two panels, after foaming, can fill the gaps between them, enhancing the strength of the panels and forming a waterproof structure.
Compared with metal welding with similar functions, foaming polymer adhesives are more widely used in the assembly and connection of the aerospace field due to their characteristics such as ablation resistance, high-temperature resistance, low-temperature resistance, resistance to special media, resistance to the space environment, resistance to high vacuum, high strength, and high toughness.
In the Biomedical Field
Suturing of surgical incisions and wounds is the most common operation in surgery. However, suturing is likely to cause new damage. Using adhesive to replace suturing for wound adhesion can eliminate scars and reduce the possibility of secondary trauma to patients in subsequent surgeries, bringing a better medical experience to patients. Based on these advantages, medical adhesives have been widely invested in research and clinical applications.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a double-layer hydrogel based on the model of slugs. While simulating the extended structure of the double-layer alginate-polyacrylamide matrix in the body of slugs, they have borrowed its electrostatic interaction, covalent bonds, and physical penetration to ensure the bonding strength. This kind of medical adhesive is used for the adhesion of incisions after laparoscopic surgery, the treatment of facial skin lacerations, etc.
In the Electronic and Electrical Appliance Field
The excellent thermal conductivity of metal materials has made them widely used in the connection of electronic components for a long time. However, the disadvantage of being easily corroded requires the application of anti-corrosion coatings during processing, resulting in a decrease in thermal conductivity. Thermally conductive polymer materials have emerged as the times require, which well compensate for the deficiencies of metal materials in terms of thermal conductivity and better meet people's production and living needs.
Polymer adhesives such as silicone rubber adhesives, plastic and rubber matrices like silicone rubber have good heat resistance, which ensures that the materials will not age or deform when the components are in a high-temperature condition. They can be used for the thermal conductivity and insulation of thermistors, the sealing of tube shells, the bonding of semiconductor substrates, etc.
Polymer adhesives have more excellent physical and chemical properties compared to traditional adhesives and also show great advantages and potential in practical applications. Humans have a long history of using adhesives. In the application of adhesives, people keep innovating and making breakthroughs. More and more new high-performance adhesives will also appear in people's daily lives.