Air Setting / Film Drying Industrial Adhesives
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Air setting or film drying industrial adhesives are materials that form a bond or "harden" by evaporating water or an organic solvent. These adhesives are typically used in paste or gum form and are designed to create a solid bond as the solvent evaporates, leaving behind a hardened adhesive layer.
Working Principle
Air setting or film drying adhesives work by utilizing the evaporation of water or an organic solvent to form a bond. As the solvent evaporates, the adhesive transitions from a liquid or paste state to a solid state, creating a durable bond between surfaces. This process is advantageous because it does not require additional heat or pressure, making it suitable for applications where such conditions are not feasible. The ability to form bonds through evaporation makes these adhesives useful in situations where a quick and efficient bonding process is needed without the complexity of curing under specific environmental conditions.
Applications
Air setting or film drying adhesives are used in various applications where quick bonding is required. Specific examples include their use in the assembly of lightweight materials, such as paper or thin films, where the adhesive's ability to dry quickly and form a strong bond is beneficial. They are also used in the manufacturing of certain consumer goods where the aesthetic appearance of the bond is important, as these adhesives can create clean and invisible bonds.
Advantages over other Industrial Adhesives
One of the primary advantages of air setting or film drying adhesives is their simplicity and ease of use. Unlike thermoset or UV curing adhesives, they do not require additional equipment or environmental conditions such as heat or UV light to cure. This makes them particularly advantageous in settings where such resources are limited or where the application process needs to be streamlined. Additionally, the ability to form bonds quickly through evaporation can be beneficial in high-speed manufacturing processes.
Limitations
A significant limitation of air setting or film drying adhesives is their reliance on the evaporation of solvents, which can be affected by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature. This can lead to variability in drying times and bond strength. Additionally, these adhesives may not be suitable for high-temperature applications or for bonding materials that are sensitive to solvents.
Considerations
When considering the use of air setting or film drying adhesives, it is important to evaluate the initial costs and operating expenses associated with their application. While these adhesives may offer cost savings due to their simplicity and lack of need for curing equipment, the variability in drying times and potential for solvent sensitivity must be taken into account. Durability and maintenance costs should also be considered, as the bond strength may be affected by environmental conditions, potentially leading to increased maintenance or replacement costs over time.
from GAF
Description. Matrix ™ 101 Premium SBS Membrane Adhesive is an asbestos-free, premium trowel-grade cement designed for use in SBS modified bitumen systems installed with Matrix ™ 101 Premium SBS Membrane Adhesive. Matrix ™ 101 Premium SBS Membrane Adhesive cement is a low-odor,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Substrate Compatibility: Metal; SBS Modified Bitumen
- Features: Flexible
- Industry: Construction
from Wacker Chemical Corp.
ELASTOSIL ® A316 is a free flowable, solvent-based RTV-1 silicone dispersion. It cures at room temperature or elevated temperature by reaction with air humidity to a flexible silicone coating. During cure it splits off an organic amine. Special features. ready-to-use, one-component material. [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Thermoset; Two Component ; Room Temperature Vulcanizing or Curing
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Silicone
- Features: Sealant
from ND Industries, Inc.
Cyanoacrylates (also known as superglues) are single-part clear instant adhesives that rapidly polymerize at room temperature and develop strength extremely fast (fixture 0 to 60 seconds). They are initiated by moisture on the parts surface or by accelerators. Uses: Circuit board wires. Ceramic,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Acrylic
- Substrate Compatibility: Ceramic, Glass; Metal; Textiles or Fabrics
from Intertape Polymer Group, Inc.
Designed to assist bonding to several surfaces, which include wood, concrete and sheet metal. Contains no methyl chloride; no CFCs. 41PSI shear strength. Web spray pattern adhesive. Compliant with the National VOC Regulations for consumer products and the current VOC limits for aerosol adhesives in... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Substrate Compatibility: Concrete, Masonry; Metal; Wood
- Type / Form: Liquid
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
Air Set Cements set or cure through loss of moisture by evaporation. Atmospheric conditions therefore affect the drying rate. Air Set Cements are used mainly in thin film applications (applied in thicknesses less than 1/4")*. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR CEMENTS. 1. Type of Application Potting, sealing,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Two Component (optional feature); Single Component (optional feature)
- Type / Form: Liquid (optional feature); Powder (optional feature)
- Chemical System: Ceramic
- Features: High Dielectric; Encapsulant, Potting Compound; Sealant; Thermally Conductive
from Phelps Industrial Products
Phelps Style 9750 is a Contact Cement that provides a long bonding range and excellent initial strength. Ideal for plastic laminates, paper honeycomb, rubber, cloth, metal and wood. Meets requirements of Mil-A-1154C, Mil-A-21366 and MMM-A-121. Ensure both surfaces are clean and dry. Apply coating to... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Features: Laminaes; Sealant; Solvent Based
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Metal; Plastic; Rubber or Elastomer; Textiles or Fabrics; Wood; Dissimilar Substrates; Paper
from ACCRAbond, Inc.
INSTAbond ® 812. A low viscosity, two part epoxy system that is for all types of room temperature curing adhesive applications including Casting, Encapsulating and 100% solids coatings that require cure at room temperature. INSTAbond ® N812 produces a durable, resilient bond or coating that... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Two Component
- Features: Encapsulant, Potting Compound
- Chemical System: Epoxy
from Owens Corning® FOAMGLAS® Insulation
A one part, neutral cure, silicone adhesive / sealant formulated for use at high temperatures. PC ® HI-TEMP / RTV Silicone Adhesive is a one part, neutral cure, silicone adhesive / sealant formulated for use at high temperatures. It is particularly suited for use in conjunction with insulations... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component; Room Temperature Vulcanizing or Curing
- Industry: Insulation Systems
- Substrate Compatibility: FOAMGLAS®
- Use Temperature: -148 to 400
from 3M Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division
Quick-tacking, fast strength buildup. Aerosol, for bonding hard to hold materials like polyethylene and polypropylene. SBR rubber, fabric and felt. This product can effectively bond many hard to hold materials such as polyethylene. It can bond rubber, fabric, felt, cardboard, cork, foil, and many... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: Solvent Based
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Ceramic, Glass; Metal; Plastic; Rubber or Elastomer; Textiles or Fabrics; Wood; Dissimilar Substrates
from Total Plastics, Inc.
Clear, thin solvent. Fast drying solvent adhesive for vinyl to vinyl. Available Sizes. Quart or gallon [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Substrate Compatibility: Plastic
- Type / Form: Liquid
from DME Company
Superglue. Instantly bonds glass, metals, plastics, & rubber. Bonds close-fitting parts in seconds. Works on clean surfaces of aluminum, copper, brass, steel, vinyl, PVC, polyester, nylon, fiberglass & wood. #49403 Super Glue. Instant Bond. 3 gram bottle. Ethyl grade. Bonds close fitting... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Cyanoacrylate
- Substrate Compatibility: Ceramic, Glass; Metal; Plastic; Rubber or Elastomer; Dissimilar Substrates
from Sauereisen, Inc.
Sauereisen Adhesive Paste No. 19 is an inorganic, odorless, nontoxic cement used for bonding glass, porcelain, wood, felt, cork, metals and ceramic fiber. Some typical applications include protection of exposed metal surfaces during heat treating, bonding wallboard to brick or concrete and cementing... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Composition: Unfilled
- Chemical System: Ceramic
- Features: High Dielectric; Flame Retardant; Thermally Conductive
from Berry Plastics Corporation - Engineered Materials Division
Nashua Tapes Products 398 Spray Adhesive. GENERAL PURPOSE SPRAY ADHESIVE - LOW VOC. Aggressive spray adhesive designed for temporary and permanent bonding. (Net weight 12 oz. NT WT, 17 Fluid oz.) Meets FDA requirements for indirect food packaging when used in accordance with 21 CFR 175.105. [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Composition: Unfilled
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Type / Form: Liquid
from GAF
Description. MATRIX ™ 102 SBS Membrane Adhesive is an asbestos free, fiber reinforced rubberized adhesive with a bonding strength designed specifically for cold applied modified bitumen membranes. All SURE GRIP ™ adhesives have exclusive technology with superior bonding strength and high... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: Flexible; UL Rating
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Concrete, Masonry
from ND Industries, Inc.
Vibra-Tite is one of the world ’s market leaders in anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies and ultraviolet technologies. Vibra-Tite is quickly becoming one of the most highly respected names in the adhesive industry. And, as a result of ND ’s low overhead expenses and in-house capabilities,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Thermoplastic / Hot Melt; Single Component
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Polyurethane
- Substrate Compatibility: Metal; Paper or Paperboard; Plastic
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
Chemical Set Cements set or cure by an internal chemical action which does not require exposure to air. Chemical Set Cements can be used in thick applications (applied in thicknesses greater than 1/4")*. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR CEMENTS. 1. Type of Application Potting, sealing, encapsulating,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Two Component (optional feature); Single Component (optional feature)
- Type / Form: Liquid (optional feature); Powder (optional feature)
- Chemical System: Ceramic
- Features: High Dielectric; Encapsulant, Potting Compound; Sealant; Thermally Conductive
from Phelps Industrial Products
Pheps Style 9740 is an RP 1000 Adhesive. This Cyanoacrylate adhesive needs only drops to develop a very strong bond between metals, ceramics, plastics and rubber. Water does not affect this adhesive's bond. Care should be taken to ensure surfaces are clean, and dry; use solvent if necessary. Apply... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Cyanoacrylate
- Features: Solvent Based
from 3M Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division
3M ™ Repositionable Spray Adhesive 75 is an adhesive that provides tape-like bonds on many lightweight materials. It adheres in seconds, yet has an extra-long tack range that allows you to lift and reposition materials. Excellent for production line work where parts are held in place... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: Solvent Based
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Paper or Paperboard; Textiles or Fabrics; Cardboard, Acetate, Foil, & Sheeting
from Total Plastics, Inc.
WELD -ON cements are conceived and continually checked by qualified chemists and technicians in a modern, well equipped laboratory. They also oversee a strict quality control program, which starts with the delivery of raw materials, proceeds through the mixing stage, and continues on with sampling... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Type / Form: Liquid
from Berry Plastics Corporation - Engineered Materials Division
Polyken 1027. LIQUID ADHESIVE/PRIMER. Polyken 1027 liquid adhesive system is ideal for slower machine application to rough, reconditioned, or grit-blasted pipe surfaces. It provides a uniformly smooth, instant tack surface for Polyken coating systems. Applications. Solvent based primer designed for... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Composition: Unfilled
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Type / Form: Liquid
from GAF
Description. Matrix ™ 103 Cold Process Adhesive is a contractor grade, non-polymer modified asbestos-free formulation for use as a cold-applied bonding agent for organic, fiberglass or polyester fabric Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Systems. In addition, the formulation is non-destructive to asphalt... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: Flexible; UL Rating
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Ceramic, Glass
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
OMEGATHERM thermal conducting paste is a high temperature and high thermally conductive paste product. They are specially formulated for permanent and temporary bonding of thermocouples, thin film RTDs, thermistors and other temperature sensors, to most surfaces metals, ceramics, glass, plastics,... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: High Dielectric; Encapsulant, Potting Compound; Thermally Conductive
- Chemical System: Silicone
- Substrate Compatibility: Ceramic, Glass; Metal; Paper or Paperboard; Plastic
from 3M Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division
3M ™ Scotch-Weld ™ Nitrile High Performance Plastic Adhesive 1099H is a fast drying and heat curable Nitrile adhesive. Air dried bonds have high strength; resist weathering, water, oil and fuel. It is excellent for bonding most vinyl extrusions and sheeting. Also bonds many fabrics. [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Thermoset; Single Component
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Features: Solvent Based
from Total Plastics, Inc.
Clear. Water-thin, very fast setting solvent cement for bonding PVC , foamed PVC , and KYDEX ® to themselves and to each other. Available Sizes. Pint or gallon [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Vinyl
- Substrate Compatibility: Plastic
from Berry Plastics Corporation - Engineered Materials Division
Nashua Tapes Products 357 Spray Adhesive. SPRAY ADHESIVE - TEMPORARY & PERMANENT BONDING. Designed for temporary and permanent bonding (20 fluid oz can). Low VOC for compliance with state regulations. Meets FDA requirements for indirect food packaging when used in accordance with 21 CFR 175.105. [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Composition: Unfilled
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Type / Form: Liquid
from GAF
Description. MATRIX ™ 307 Premium Asphalt Primer is a general purpose, asbestos-free foundation coating for all types of asphalt-based roofing materials, e.g., hot-mopped or cold-applied asphalt coatings, roof cements, and asphalt-based roof and flooring adhesives. MATRIX ™ 307 has an... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Features: Flexible; UL Rating
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Substrate Compatibility: Metal
from OMEGA Engineering, Inc.
OMEGA's TT300 cement is a heat-cured, 2-part epoxy adhesive that can be used to bond polyimide-backed strain gages for strain measurement up to 200C (392F). Each TT300 kit includes 2 bottles of resin and hardener that are pre-measured to ensure proper mixing proportions. To use, simply pour one... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Cyanoacrylate
- Use Temperature: -65 to 180
from 3M Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Division
3M ™ Scotch-Weld ™ Nitrile High Performance Plastic Adhesive 1099L is a low viscosity fast drying and heat curable Nitrile adhesive. Tan can bond most vinyls (supported and unsupported) wood, metal, rubber to fiberglass, painted, primed or bare steel, and molded plastics. This product... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Thermoset; Single Component
- Type / Form: Liquid
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Features: Solvent Based
from Berry Plastics Corporation - Engineered Materials Division
Polyken 44SA. SPRAY ADHESIVE - TEMPORARY & PERMANENT BONDING. Fast skin, high tack, low soak in rate adhesive designed for temporary and permanent bonding. Meets FDA requirements for indirect food packaging when used in accordance with 21 CFR 175.105. Applications. Bonds foils and metals to... [See More]
- Cure / Technology: Air Setting / Film Drying; Single Component
- Composition: Unfilled
- Chemical System: Elastomeric
- Type / Form: Liquid