The water-based modification of adhesives means preparing water-based adhesives using water as the solvent or dispersion medium. Since organic solvents are not used, solvent pollution is completely eliminated.

Emulsion-type acrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives can replace solvent-based pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Water-based laminating adhesives have begun to replace solvent-based laminating adhesives. They are non-toxic, non-flammable, pollution-free, and safe to use.

By adding isocyanate or prepolymer to an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a vinyl polyurethane emulsion can be prepared, which can replace urea-formaldehyde adhesives and completely solve the problem of formaldehyde emission.

Water-based adhesives are highly favored due to their non-toxicity and lack of pollution. However, their disadvantages include a slow drying speed, poor water resistance, and unsatisfactory anti-freezing properties. It is necessary to increase the solid content and accelerate the drying speed. Cross-linking methods should be adopted to improve the drying speed and water resistance, so as to expand their applications.