Adhesive Developments and Supplies for Defense

The status of post World War II technical progress in adhesives developments is reviewed, and factors influencing current and intensified emergency supplies are outlined. After World War II, demand for interior use glue for furniture manufacturing led to the development of polyvinyl acetate adhesives and ready-to-use vegetable adhesives for assembly gluing where not much resistance to moisture was required. For adhesives in moisture resistant joints, the use of urea formaldehyde for assembly and plywood has increased tremendously. Use of hardeners to permit both cold press and hot-press operations, and use of liquid urea adhesive mixtures with low solids content, are two important developments. In periods of preparedness and mobilization, the greatest demand is for adhesives which will produce fully waterproof joints. An important development in this field is the use of different types of acid catalysts with phenolic resins. Prediction of the availability of adhesives for defense production is a precarious proposition because of the many intangibles involved. Supplies of animal glue are critical; availability of polyvinyl acetate emulsion glues is extremely critical; availability of urea resins is good; availability of phenolic and especially resorcinol adhesives is critical. As the country’s preparedness effort increases, it will become necessary to compromise on the durability of the glue joints obtained. This can be done by reviewing government specifications or by finding substitute materials. With intelligent planning of the country’s production, and with the help of the research facilities of the adhesive industry, enough adhesives for the forest products industries will eventually be obtained to satisfy the demand. The country today has a much higher production in synthetic chemicals than it did during World War II, and many adhesive manufacturers plan to expand their production. In addition, we have a diversity of adhesives which permits us to manufacture a much wider range of wood products suitable for the needs of the Armed Forces than we had during most of World War II.

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