Adhesives Technology Review
Appendix B

ADVANTAGES AND BARRIERS FOR SOLVENT-FREE ADHESIVES

Advantages and barriers for solvent-free adhesives have been identified throughout the literature. The summary below is based upon much of the information available for review.

In general, the use of alternative solvent-free adhesive technologies appears to provide several advantages over solvent-based adhesives.

1. Increased quality control.

2. Reduced production costs. (Ref. 6)

3. Lower insurance costs as a result of reduced risk. (Ref. 6)

4. Lower permitting and disposal fees as a result of reduced hazardous waste generation.

5. Reduced regulatory burden through elimination of stack and fugitive air emissions. (Ref. 17)

6. Elimination of solvent capture and recovery, or incineration equipment. (Ref. 6)

7. Avoided costs of emission control systems for solvent-based adhesive materials. (Ref. 6)

8. Fewer Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for monitoring Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) concentration levels. (Ref. 17)

Barriers

While solvent-free adhesives have cost, operational and environmental advantages, there are a number of financial and institutional barriers to widespread adoption.

1. Inertia. Manufacturers may be reluctant to change long-standing work patterns or manufacturing inputs.

2. Recycling Issues. For durable goods, excellent bonding properties may hinder recycling by interfering with product disassembly and removal of adhesive from raw material. (Ref. 1)

3. Lack of Resources. Small businesses may not have the environmental or accounting personnel qualified to conduct total cost assessments that compare all costs and savings of adhesive alternatives.

4. Workplace Risks. Occupational health and safety risks exist with regard to worker burns, especially with the use of high temperature cured adhesives and radiant curing equipment. (Ref. 23)

5. Customer/Product Quality. The end product must meet all customer demands and retain the same level of quality that is associated with the product that uses the solvent-based adhesive; the transition should be seamless for the customer.

Continue on to the Appendix C page of the Adhesives Technology Reviews.

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