Polyurethane-based adhesives are used in bonding solid and relatively inflexible substances and provides high UV resistance. Polyurethane polymers are formed by the reaction of isocyanate and a polyol. Both isocyanates and polyols used in the process contain two or more functional groups per molecule. They are used for bonding wood, leather, metals, cured epoxy, rubbers, tile, glass, plastics, concrete, and brick. Excellent strength, fast curing time, good optical clarity, good abrasion and chemical resistance, and good strength & impact resistance are some of the key features of polyurethane adhesives.

Threadlocker polyurethane adhesives and sealants have the ability to lock threads against loosening triggered by heavy vibrations and loads. Polyurethane adhesives are very flexible and durable and offer good impact resistance. They offer high degree of thermal resistance and are resistant to chemical abrasion, as well as in the level of their bulk flexibility. They are used to seal fuel tanks and are not damaged, when subjected to prolonged periods of high temperatures. This type of polyurethane adhesive is flame-resistant. In flooring application, polyurethane adhesives offer excellent high and low temperature operability and adhesion to untreated plastics.

Polyurethane Adhesives Market Taxonomy

On the basis of product type, the Polyurethane Adhesives market is classified into:

Thermoplastic

Thermoset

On the basis of technology, the global Polyurethane Adhesives market is classified into:

Dispersion

Solvent-borne

Reactive

Hot Melt

On the basis of end-use industry, the global Polyurethane Adhesives market is classified into:

Building & Construction,

Electrical & Electronics

Packaging

Automotive

Furniture

Footwear

Polyurethane adhesives are gaining increased acceptance in the home construction industry, owing to bonding ability to many types of substrates which includes plastic, glass, wood and concrete. Two-part polyurethane adhesives are usually used for bonding ceiling drywall to roof rafters. The first stage mechanism is to immediately avoid a caving-in effect on vertical surfaces and the second stage is to provide a strong and permanent seal. Moisture-curable polyurethane adhesives are extensively used in subflooring and for carpentry applications such as staircases and cabinets. The use of a polyurethane adhesive can prevent separation cracks forming due to seasonal changes which can cause wood to contract and expand. In Automotive industry, polyurethane adhesives are used in for vehicle interiors and for bonding windshields.

Polyurethane Adhesives Market Outlook – Modern Infrastructural needs to be the Major Market Driver

Asia Pacific and North America are expected to be the most potential markets for polyurethane adhesives manufacturers. Asia Pacific is projected to witness relatively high growth in terms of value over the forecast period. This is owing to the constantly growing construction industry in developing countries such as India and China. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF)—a trust established by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India—the Indian construction industry is expected to be pegged at US$ 5 billion by 2020. Various government schemes and foreign investments have augmented growth of polyurethane adhesives market in the region. Growing infrastructural needs in India has attracted various investors such as Silver Spring Capital Management, Altico Capital, The Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia, and among others.

Application of adhesives in industries such as building & construction, packaging, automobile, aerospace, electrical & electronics, and locomotives, especially in Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Mergers and acquisitions and expansions in various geographies are some of key strategies followed by the top players in the construction chemicals market. In August 2016, Pidilite Industries, a leading manufacturer of construction chemicals, adhesives and sealants with Industria Chimica Adriatica Spa (ICA) of Italy formed an equal joint venture company - Wood Coat. Some of the major companies operating in the global plastic additives market are Huntsman Corporation, 3M, Sika AG, Ashland Inc., Arkema S.A., H.B. Fuller, Illinois Tool Works Inc., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Scott Bader Company Ltd., and The Dow Chemical Company.