Water-based polyurethane (PU) adhesives are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based PU adhesives. These adhesives use water as a carrier, reducing the use of harmful solvents and minimizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Water-based PU adhesives provide excellent bonding strength and flexibility, making them ideal for applications where both environmental impact and performance are critical. They are widely used in the footwear industry, packaging, automotive interiors, and general manufacturing, offering a safe and efficient solution for bonding various materials.
Chemical Composition: Formulated with water-dispersed polyurethane resins, offering a high degree of flexibility and strong bonding capabilities.
Drying Time: Initial set time typically ranges from 10-20 minutes, with full curing usually achieved within 24 hours, depending on temperature and humidity.
Viscosity: Medium viscosity, suitable for application with brushes, rollers, or spray systems, ensuring easy spreading over surfaces.
Temperature Resistance: Maintains performance within a range of -10°C to 80°C, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, with some formulations offering enhanced heat resistance.
Shelf Life: Approximately 9-12 months when stored properly in a cool, sealed container to prevent drying out or contamination.
Specific Use Cases: Ideal for bonding leather, fabric, and rubber in footwear manufacturing, including attaching soles and uppers, as well as in upholstery and foam bonding.
Industry Use: Commonly used in the footwear industry, packaging, automotive interior assembly, and furniture manufacturing, especially where VOC regulations are strict.
Materials Compatibility: Bonds effectively with a range of materials including leather, fabric, foam, wood, rubber, and certain plastics, offering versatile use across different applications.
Eco-Friendly: Water-based formulation significantly reduces VOC emissions, making it safer for both users and the environment, and compliant with stringent air quality regulations.
Strong Bonding: Provides high initial tack and strong final bond strength, ensuring long-lasting durability in bonded components.
Flexible: Retains elasticity after curing, making it ideal for applications where bonded materials need to flex or move, such as in shoes and upholstery.
Low Odor: Water-based composition results in minimal odor compared to solvent-based adhesives, making it more pleasant to work with in confined spaces.
Easy Cleanup: Can be cleaned with water before curing, reducing the need for harsh solvents during clean-up of tools and work areas.
Surface Preparation: Clean the surfaces to be bonded, removing any dust, oils, or contaminants to ensure optimal adhesion.
Apply Adhesive: Using a brush, roller, or spray system, apply an even coat of the water-based PU adhesive to one or both surfaces.
Open Time: Allow the adhesive to sit for 5-10 minutes, depending on humidity and temperature, until it becomes tacky.
Press Surfaces Together: Press the surfaces firmly together, using even pressure to ensure a uniform bond.
Curing Process: Allow the adhesive to cure for up to 24 hours at room temperature to reach maximum bond strength before putting the bonded item into heavy use.
Safety Precautions: While less hazardous than solvent-based alternatives, it is recommended to use gloves to avoid skin contact and to wash hands thoroughly after use.
Ventilation Requirements: Apply in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper drying, especially when used in large quantities.
Disposal Instructions: Dispose of adhesive waste according to local environmental regulations. Clean up spills with water while the adhesive is still wet.
Storage Guidelines: Store in a cool, dry place with the container tightly sealed to prevent the adhesive from drying out or contamination.
Sustainability Initiatives: Water-based PU adhesives are formulated to minimize environmental impact, with significantly lower VOC content than traditional solvent-based adhesives.
Recyclability: Packaged in recyclable containers, supporting environmentally friendly disposal practices.
Non-Toxic Formulas: Some formulations use biodegradable ingredients, making them safer for both users and the environment.
Problem: Adhesive takes too long to dry.
Solution: Increase ventilation or use heat sources like fans to speed up the drying process.
Problem: Weak bond after curing.
Solution: Ensure surfaces are clean and dry before applying the adhesive and that sufficient pressure is applied during bonding.
Problem: Adhesive thickens in the container.
Solution: Store in a cool, consistent temperature environment, and tightly seal the container after each use to prevent evaporation.
Common adhesives in footwear manufacturing include PU adhesives, grafted adhesives, chloroprene adhesives, spray adhesives, and synthetic rubber adhesives, each suited for specific applications.
Choose adhesives based on compatibility with shoe materials, such as leather, fabric, or rubber, considering factors like flexibility and durability. You can also contact our team for more details.
Solvent-based adhesives provide strong bonds and fast drying times, while water-based adhesives are more environmentally friendly and easier to clean.
Adhesive performance can be affected by climate; extreme temperatures or humidity may impact drying times and bond strength.
Safety precautions include working in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves and masks, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
The shelf life of footwear adhesives typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years, depending on storage conditions and formulation.
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