Researchers at Nagoya University have made a major breakthrough in the world of structural adhesives, which could lead to lighter and more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The new adhesive, developed in collaboration with Aisin Chemical Company, is 22 times stronger than traditional epoxy-based adhesives that don’t contain any rubbery additives.
This could be a game-changer for the automotive industry, allowing for the production of cars using lighter materials like aluminum and fiber-reinforced plastic.
Structural adhesives play a crucial role in assembling vehicles, airplanes, and even buildings.
However, the epoxy resin-based adhesives commonly used today have a significant limitation—they lack flexibility.
This makes them prone to damage when subjected to impact, which is a serious concern for vehicle safety.
To address this issue, Nagoya University researcher Atsushi Noro and his team combined a special polymer, known as a hydrogen-bonded styrenic thermoplastic elastomer, with an adhesive.
This new adhesive not only retains flexibility but also offers exceptional impact resistance, making it much tougher than conventional options.
So, what exactly is a hydrogen-bonded styrenic thermoplastic elastomer?
It’s a type of polymer that behaves like rubber, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape.
This rubbery characteristic allows the adhesive to absorb and dissipate stress during impacts, preventing damage.
Additionally, the hydrogen bonds within the elastomer can quickly separate and reconnect under stress, further enhancing the adhesive’s strength and durability.
The potential benefits of this adhesive are significant, particularly for the automotive industry.
With this new material, car manufacturers can bond different materials together, such as metals and fiber-reinforced plastics, to create lighter vehicles.
Lighter cars are more fuel-efficient, which means they emit less carbon dioxide, contributing to a greener environment.
“Structural adhesives like this one are crucial for reducing vehicle weight, which is essential for improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions,” Noro explained.
“Our adhesive’s ability to bond various materials without compromising safety or performance is a significant step forward in the pursuit of a carbon-neutral society.”
While the automotive industry is likely to be the first to benefit from this innovation, the researchers believe that their adhesive could also be used in other fields, such as aerospace and construction.
In these industries, reducing the weight of materials and improving carbon efficiency are also key goals.
As research continues, this new adhesive could become a vital tool in the global effort to create a more sustainable future.
Source: KSR.
