For years, solvent-based spray adhesive technology has helped composite manufacturers with positioning reinforcement layers during vacuum infusion. However, with the safety, performance, and environmental drawbacks of spray adhesives becoming increasingly clear, Power Adhesives’ Vactac range provides a cutting-edge alternative that is already transforming the industry.
Drawbacks of solvent-based spray adhesives
Although aerosol adhesives are widely used, their downsides are becoming more and more apparent.
As composite manufacturers grapple with challenges relating to waste and efficiency, aerosol adhesives may be holding them back. A large portion aerosol cans comprise of propellant and solvent, with only 20-30% of products typically being actual adhesive material. This means that only a small amount of the product is being used for its intended purpose, resulting in significant waste and inefficiency.
Solvent-based adhesives also present a risk to health and safety. Traditional aerosol spray adhesives contain potentially hazardous solvents, propellants, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks or air extraction systems, to ensure a safe working environment. This not only adds to operational costs but also complicates the manufacturing process.
What’s more, aerosol adhesives may lead to performance issues with the materials they’re applied to. Used incorrectly, these aerosols can dissolve in polyester and vinylester resin, which creates a mixture of resin/adhesive (SBR/solvent based rubber) which can migrate from where it is applied, accumulate, and cause a dry spot. This accumulation of the dissolved SBR material will inhibit resin flow, leading to compromised structural integrity which can result in delamination.
The Vactac difference
Vactac represents a paradigm shift for vacuum-infused composites. This innovative product is 100% adhesive and offers high performance that directly addresses common challenges encountered with other technologies:
- Cost effectiveness: Vactac means manufacturers essentially pay for pure adhesive – not solvents or propellants.
- Environmental benefits: Vactac’s VOC and solvent-free formulation perfectly aligns with sustainability targets, helping companies eliminate aerosol emissions.
- Enhanced safety: Unlike aerosol-based products Vactac is non-hazardous, removing the need for ventilation and additional PPE to create a safer working environment.
- Uniform and controlled application: Vactac’s unique chemistry leads to improved inter-laminar shear properties and greater composite mechanical performance when compared to aerosol technologies.
- High instant tack: This adhesive ensures precise positioning without shifting, leading to high-quality results.
Application technology
Alongside the Vactac adhesive system, Power Adhesives has invested in creating a better application process. The company’s new PCB-controlled dispensing system ensures a finer, more uniform adhesive pattern, enhancing interlaminar shear properties and overall mechanical performance when compared to aerosol technologies.
The equipment features internal modifications and improved nozzle and valve designs, resulting in more consistent output and lower maintenance requirements. It can be tailored for both low and high output applications, increasing versatility across different manufacturing scenarios, and is developed for lower production variability. As a result, Vactac’s application technology offers a more practical and cost-effective choice for manufacturers.
Innovative positioning adhesive system
Vactac is designed to support industries from constructing renewable energy devices to marine craft manufacturing in creating bonds with improved safety, environmental benefits, and adhesive performance. For professionals in the composites industry, Vactac represents the superior choice for positioning adhesives, standing out as the ideal solution for applications requiring stronger, more sustainable adhesives.
To find out more about Vactac, get in touch by emailing sales@poweradhesives.com
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